Sometimes hidden verticals are not that easy to spot, especially when they are “hidden” in the abstract. For example, notice how in the horizontal composition of colorful boats reflecting on the water (first image), there is a large white “block” in the upper right of the frame. Note how your eye is drawn to that block, which gets the visual weight of the image, yet you are ultimately disappointed, since there is nothing interesting about it. As I mentioned earlier, the point of highest contrast gets the most attention, at least initially, and when the point of highest contrast is not the main point of interest, the eye/brain is quick to feel disappointment. What is the solution? Turn the camera vertically and, as if by magic, make the “eyesore” disappear! The vertical composition is cleaner and better balanced throughout, with a composition of classic thirds. The top third is mostly dark with a splash of red, and the remaining two-thirds is composed of contrasting shades of blue and brown.

Both images: Nikon D3X with Nikkor 70–300mm lens, f/32 for 1/30 sec., ISO 200