One of the most fundamental guidelines of good composition is to place the horizon line in the upper or lower horizontal third of the frame. However, when photographing subjects that are symmetrical, as in this twilight reflection of the city of Kotor, Montenegro, it is more appropriate in my opinion to place the horizon line in the middle of the frame. This underscores the perfection and beauty of the symmetry. The picture looks balanced and harmonious as well. Remember that the Rule of Thirds isn't a rule at all, but a guideline. I used a tripod for this image, a 24-105mm lens, and daylight white balance.
2 Comments
Aug 5, 2016, 6:58:46 PM
Linda Purdom - Jim, this is an amazing photo. Am I looking at a mining operation, a road with street lights, something else? I do love the symmetry, rule of thirds is but a guideline and one often broken for the sake of balance.
Linda
Aug 5, 2016, 6:49:00 PM
Jim - Thank you very much, Linda. This is an ancient city, and it was protected from enemies by a wall around the city that went up the mountain. You are seeing the wall illuminated. It is, indeed, a very unique situation to photograph.