Photographers shoot fewer vertical than horizontal photographs mainly because of the way cameras are designed. But keeping an eye out for vertical subject matter can lead to creative images.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Often the subject matter will dictate when to photograph in a vertical format. With this subject matter I wanted to emphasize the vertical tire skid marks on the road and direct the readers eye from bottom to top as if driving over the image.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Subject matter can dictate a vertical format. A landscape of tall vertical trees and a waterfall are natural ingredients to compose in a vertical photograph.

photo by: Mike Yoder

This example of an extremely vertical photograph takes advantage of a tall tree and a long shadow cast over a subject. Verticals can be a challenge to find but can often lead to unique photographs offering a different perspective on subjects.

photo by: Mike Yoder

When subject matter or movement in a frame is along a vertical axis rather than a horizontal plane, a photographer can fill the space more completely and creatively with a vertical image. This vertical image helps relate the quilt above with the women on the bench beneath.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Portraits are ideal for vertical photographs. They complement the vertical form of both the face and body. The vertical format also enables the photographer to fill the space of their frame where in a horizontal position, empty space might be created to the side of a subject.