Interesting conundrum

[Jim A]

In this image the predominant feature, apart from the cyclists, is the building, but the horizon is there nevertheless. In this version you see the horizon is taken as the level, however the building then shows slanted. My take is that it would be better for the level to follow the roof line of the building, what do you think please ? Not a lot of difference, however can be crucial in a competitive image (which this is most certainly not!).

[Stagecoach]

Jim, I do not see a horizon that you could assume should be level.

If it were mine I would just ensure the verticals are correct.

[Mike Buckley]

Agreed with Grahame.

[Jim A]

Good point re the verticals, Grahame, though which one, as there are a number. Having said that, I would choose the one directly above the rider in yellow. The actual horizon is to the right edge of the picture, with hilly land above. It only takes up about one-eighth of the horizontal.

[george013]

In this image the predominant feature, apart from the cyclists, is the building, but the horizon is there nevertheless. In this version you see the horizon is taken as the level, however the building then shows slanted. My take is that it would be better for the level to follow the roof line of the building, what do you think please ? Not a lot of difference, however can be crucial in a competitive image (which this is most certainly not!).

I can't see a horizon to level on either.
But if you want to correct the horizontal and vertical lines, leveling won't be enough. Your camera has been tilted downwards.
But if you want to use the leveling tool solely, then leveling on a vertical line in the middle would be the solution. For me anyway.

George

[pnodrog]

A small perspective adjustment would probably resolve all the problems.

[Stagecoach]

Good point re the verticals, Grahame, though which one, as there are a number. Having said that, I would choose the one directly above the rider in yellow. The actual horizon is to the right edge of the picture, with hilly land above. It only takes up about one-eighth of the horizontal.

Personally I would correct all verticals using a 'perspective warp' correction tool (it took me 1 minute in PS). But it may be that you like the distortion in the image.

What I meant about the 'horizon' is that although it is clear on the right hand edge neither the water or the uneven mountains are necessarily 'level'.

How far you address any straightening (which could all be done) is very much dependent upon the result you want

[Shadowman]

I can see the horizon but if used to level the composition you assume it is a straight land mass and only have a small portion to utilize. Another issue is your POV, shot seems to have been taken from high vantage point hence the off setting verticals which could also be partially caused by the lens. I would say go with what pleases your eyes, may not have agreement with others though. Nice shot.

[revi]

Good point re the verticals, Grahame, though which one, as there are a number. Having said that, I would choose the one directly above the rider in yellow. The actual horizon is to the right edge of the picture, with hilly land above. It only takes up about one-eighth of the horizontal.

Sorry, but there is no real horizon in your image. What you refer to as the horizon is the far water edge. That edge is not guaranteed to be perpendicular to your line of view, and thus doesn't have to appear horizontal. (Think of how that water edge would look if it were oriented at 45° wrt to the line of view). While that is not important as far as image content is concerned, it makes it worthless as a reference line.

I'd go with straightening the verticals only here, unless you know the building is perfectly perpendicular to the view (not likely, as top and bottom of the building seem to converge to the left)

[xpatUSA]

I would assume the building is itself level and then account for the relative position of the lens perhaps taking the red jacket as a reference:



Image doesn't look too far off to my weary old eyes.

[LePetomane]

There is a longer section of the building roof than there is horizon. I would level that and the verticals.

[xpatUSA]

There is a longer section of the building roof than there is horizon. I would level that and the verticals.

But the roof is off-center in the shot and appears to be showing a bit of perspective (see #10 above), unlike the window horizontal framing behind the red jacket.