Sometimes you can dramatically alter your photo composition just changing your perspective. This quick guide to using camera angles more effectively will help you take pictures you can be proud of. Below we’ll show you 5 simple techniques you can use to alter your camera angles for dramatic effect.
The search for a new angle in photography is a never-ending challenge. Showing everyone how we see the world around us from our own perspective is often the driving force for photographers.
Unusual and quirky angles are the mainstay of images with impact. We’ll show you how to get past the usual ‘record’ shot and compose a picture with instant wow factor.
Shoot Straight Up
You’ve probably seen plenty of shots like this before. Why? Well, it’s an unusual angle that creates bags of impact and shows you the forest canopy from an arresting perspective.
It offers a ‘worm’s eye view’ of the world and works extremely well with wide-angle lenses. Spend time looking for the ‘perfect’ subjects.
If you find a reasonably symmetrical pattern, such as here, then keep it central. If it’s just a hole in the canopy, try placing it according to the rule of thirds.
Get Down Low
This unusual shot, taken from ground level, is a clever way to pep up your photography and add a new dimension to everyday images.
We don’t usually see life from this angle so taking the shot adds tons of impact. It’s a lot like a ‘worm’s eye view’.
Place the camera on or very near the floor and compose to include some of the foreground close to the lens to add a sense of depth.
This is one shot where you’ll really have to get down and dirty, because it’s essential to check the viewfinder to see if there are any background distractions.
Twist the Camera
It can look strange and un-artistic if the subject’s placed in the center of the frame while you shoot upwards – fine for the pages of a scientific journal, but we want to create an artistic image.
Twisting your camera so the subject takes a diagonal line through the frame is ideal for a pleasing, unusual composition.
Twisting gives instant impact to most pictures. Try it!
Exaggerate Features
We’ve all seen pictures of famous places and landmarks. Usually they’re taken as a ‘record’ shot and rarely differ from photographer to photographer.
Why not stand out from the crowd and do something special?
Composing to include and accentuate a well-known feature of your location is always worth a try.
In this image of Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, UK, a wide-angle lens has been used to emphasise the suspension rods that hold the bridge up.
By composing right next to the rods and twisting the lens, the lines ‘lead’ the eye into the picture. This angle is full of impact and is a powerful compositional tool.
Kneel Down
Everyone takes pictures from head height. Make your photos stand out from the crowd by crouching down and shooting low.
Bending or kneeling to take pictures isn’t as extreme as a ‘worm’s eye view’, but it does allow you to shoot towards the floor with a pleasing angle of view.
Shots like this one are appealing as they illustrate the quirky nature of life around us and it’s only possible to compose it by kneeling down.
It also keeps the background clean and free from clutter, which is important for a shot from this angle to work.
