Angles & Perspective

Let's talk angles.

Angles can tell the story of an image, giving it new perspective.

There are an infinite number of angles a photographer can take on to enhance their subject,

but for now, let's discuss what I call "the main three."

There's always the "eye-level shot."

This angle is ideal for portraits. Keep in mind that when shooting a toddler at eye level though,

this means getting down to their level. Shooting at eye level may mean moving around a bit to match the appropriate height. This perspective can be done for both wide angles and close-up portraits.

In the bottom right image, the viewer is given the perspective through a wide angle shot 

taken at eye level, the true size of the brothers in a big world.

There's also the "from below shot."

This angle often gives a perspective that the subject is bigger and gives the feeling that the subject 

is a source of power. This is the perfect angle for that groomsmen shot that I call 

"the album cover." It's also a great angle if one is looking for a natural back-lit image, 

but the sun is still high. To achieve this angle, the photographer could line up a shot 

from the bottom of a hillside, or it may mean getting a bit dirty.

Laying in puddle on the sidewalk to get the perfect shot?

Yup. We photographers may be a bit nutty, but our art is worth it.

Last, but certainly not least, is the "from above shot."

This angle gives another fun perspective. It's often a woman's dream, as it can make the body 

appear smaller, while creating focus on the eyes. It's a fun way to capture kiddos too.

Amber Privizzini of Privizzini's Passion Photography is who I consider the QUEEN of this angle.

I've included some of her amazing work here, but to see more, make sure to stop

by her Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/privizzinispassionphotography?ref=br_tf

(Just remember to grab a towel before hand to wipe away the drool.)

Here's what Amber had to say about angles:

"People have told me they love all the angle's I shoot. To me angle's just show more emotion and look so different from one angle to another. They each tell their own story. I can pose somebody and shoot the same exact pose 3 times all at different angle's and not have them move at all and each image tells me a completely different story and evoke different emotions. For an example shooting someone looking away to one side and I shoot them from the front straight on perspective tells me such a different story and evokes completely different emotion than if I shot the same pose from above shooting down at them. I also think angles show a lot of creativity and also helps get your creativity flowing and opens up a whole new world of options for your images." 

Well, what are you waiting for?

Grab your camera, lay in the grass, climb some trees, and start shooting!

~Robin