I get this question often, How do I fix my vertical (perpendicular) lines when they lean inwards? This is an easy fix in Photoshop. There are some subjects you can get away with when vertical lines lean inwards (or outwards), such as most nature subjects, trees, flowers, etc… When it comes to buildings or other manmade subjects you expect to see perpendicular lines in most cases, unless you’re intentionally using the exaggerated angle for a creative effect. So let’s get a fixin’.
I knew when I was photographing this building I would be straightening it in Photoshop, therefore I shot it a little wide. There are three elements in this photo that were important to me, The black Aronoff Center Sign, The reflection in the glass and the Procter and Gamble name at the bottom. I composed the picture so I knew I wouldn't lose these elements after using the Skew Tool.
As I said, this is an easy fix. Just follow these steps:
• Open your photo in Photoshop
• Duplicate the background layer (it is important to duplicate this layer, otherwise the skew tool won’t work.
• I typically like to place guides on my photo to help in the straightening process. (Make sure your rulers are active, if not hit the command and R key this will bring up the rulers). Simply drag with your curser a guide line from the ruler into your photo and place as needed. When you are finished with the guide lines simply drag them back to the ruler.
As you can see after using the Skew and Scale Tools in Photoshop I didn't lose any of the elements I wanted in the final image.
• Go to the Edit menu at top and a pull down window will open and go to Transform and another window opens and then go to the Skew tool (Edit – Transform – Skew)
• Make sure your window is larger than your photo, if not you can enlarge your window by going to the bottom right hand corner and pull to your desired size.
• You will see a outline around your photo with a small box at each corner and one each in the middle of each line. Grab one of the corners and pull until your line is straight or in desired position. This will throw the other side off and you simply grab the corner box on opposite side and pull once again. You will more than likely have to go back and forth a couple of times until you get your lines as needed.
• Depending on how much of an adjustment you had to make with the skew tool you may notice your picture looks a little squashed. If this happens go to Edit – Transform – Scale and use the scale tool to raise the photo. I typically take some from both the top and bottom. Scale until your subject looks correct. After using the scale tool you may have to go back and make some adjustments with the skew tool once again.
• Now you’re finished.
In this landscape the trees lean inwards do to the upwards shooting position of my camera. This leaning effect in a natural landscape is typically acceptable.
• TIP: When I know that I’m going to have to use the Skew Tool in Photoshop I will intentionally shoot my subject a little wider than I need, otherwise after using the scale tool my subject will more than likely be hugging the edges of the picture frame.
As you can see this Lighthouse is leaning inward but I decided to use this effect for creative purposes.
To Sum up this tip: 1. Duplicate layer 2. Place guide lines if needed 3. Go to Edit – Transform – Skew 4. Play with Skew tool on both sides as needed 5. If needed use the Scale tool, Edit – Transform – Scale 6. If needed fine tune with the Skew Tool one last time 7. Finished.
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I believe all you need to subscribe to the RSS feed is to click on the RSS button at the top right hand corner. If any has a knows differently please let us both know.
Thanks
Bill
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