Final answer:
The Gestalt principle of continuity, or good continuation, applies to seeing a flock of geese fly overhead by our tendency to perceive smooth, flowing lines, which is specific to dynamic scenes unlike static photographs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gestalt principle that would apply to seeing a flock of geese fly overhead but not to seeing a photo of these geese in flight is likely the law of continuity (or good continuation). This principle suggests that we are more inclined to perceive smooth flowing lines, such as geese flying in a V formation, as opposed to jagged or broken lines. When the geese are in motion, our perception is guided by their dynamic formation, while a photo represents a static moment where the spatial arrangement and relative motion are not factors.
In contrast to the dynamic perception of geese in flight, other Gestalt principles such as proximity, similarity, and closure could apply to both live observation and photographs. Proximity refers to the grouping of elements close to each other, similarity relates to grouping elements that are alike, and closure involves perceiving complete objects even if they are incomplete. In the context of the flying geese, continuity differentiates live perception due to the movement and flow observable over time, thus it is the most appropriate Gestalt principle in this case.