Do you ever struggle with how to make your photo more unique? Regardless of your subject, changing the viewpoint or angle of your shot can make a huge difference in the final image.
Most people tend to keep their camera pointing straight toward their subject. One of my favorite things to do is to try multiple angles until I get something that I love. Sometimes my fav will be the straight forward original, but more often than not I will prefer one of the unique viewpoints or angles.
How do you make this happen?
Walk Around In A Circle
Waking around your subject is the easiest way to find a new or better angle/composition. Your subject can stay in the same position as you circle, or you can have them turn as you walk. In the example below, the subject is in the same location, but I moved slightly to the side and she turned for another position/angle.
Birds Eye View
Birds Eye view is an image shot from above. I use this most often with nature, like in the below example. In this case I not only went with the Birds Eye view, but I also used Tip 2 and got closer.
Yes Birds Eye view works best with subjects that are smaller, but it doesn’t mean you are limited to that – you can use stairs, ladders, a view from a deck or……climb up behind a basketball hoop to take pics of your baller? Yes, yes I did this….hubs took a pic for proof.
Worms Eye View
Worms Eye View is one of my favorites. Even if I like the original, it’s always worth a try. Look at how different this tiny mushroom looks from below.
You don’t always have to shoot straight up for a worms eye view – sometimes just putting your camera lens closer to the ground and shooting straight will make your photo stand out. If I had shot from a higher angle I would have lost the beautiful grass and dandelions in the foreground. (Isn’t my Sophie beautiful?)
Sometimes Level With Your Subject is the Best
While I recommended going in a circle, Birds Eye view and Worms Eye view, sometimes the best angle is level with your subject. Especially when they are tiny animals or insects on the ground. Think of how these images would have looked if I had taken them standing above the subject instead of level with them?
Bottom Line?
Bottom Line – viewpoint and angle can make a huge difference in your photo. So try as many as possible, until you find the one that creates an image that feeds your soul.
Did you miss tip two? You can find it here.
Have you ever taken pics of the same subject from different angles or a unique point of view? If so what was your favorite? Let me know in the comments!