Perspective is Everything

Many photographers make the mistake of always taking pictures at eye level. They see something they like and just pick up their camera and snap a picture. This results, many times, in a boring image that looks just like one everyone else has taken. Also, by limiting yourself to just on perspective, you will miss out on many photographic opportunities.

Below is one example. Recently I was walking through some trees and along the bank of a frozen river and came across this tiny green plant trying to hang on into the winter months. I decided this little guy was worth photographing. Just standing above and taking a picture did not work. It’s not even clear what I’m trying to take a picture of. It’s just some sand ice and a patch of green.

How did I make this image more interesting? I got lower to the ground.

Below is the same little plant as the one above but I’m now laying on the ground and zoomed in more. Changing perspective creates an image that is much more interesting than the previous one. This is a view that people don’t see every day, which creates a unique image.

Here is another image of this little plant. I’m still lower but included more background. Here the icy river is visible.

Below is one more example of how powerful perspective can be. Both images are of the same mushroom. Everyone has seen the tops mushrooms while hiking, but how often do you lay one the ground to examine the underside of one. The image on the right shows the detailed bottom of a mushroom that isn’t observed often.

The next time you’re out with your camera try to get down lower to the ground. This works especially well when there doesn’t seem to be anything good to photograph. Start by sitting and observing the everyday objects all around. Then simply try different angles, shutter speeds, and apertures. By taking a different approach to your photography you are bound to come away with some amazing unique images.