How many times have you said “Hmm, now there’s an interesting (scene, subject, person, etc.), raised your camera to your eye, and fired away, point blank, taking your picture straight on, at eye level? And then, how many times do you look at that image later on and say with disappointment, “Hmm, that’s not as interesting as I remember it”?
It’s a common occurrence, particularly amongst the emerging photographer. But a little bit of “seeing” and creativity can yield much better results. (“See” my previous post on Learning to See.)
February 14 Anticipation. iPhone 3G
A head on shot of these mailboxes might be of interest because of their age and the repeating patterns. Or a picture of the woman in the center of the frame might have worked, but I think she would have been lost at this distance. You may not think that aiming your camera (or in this case, your iPhone) at the mailboxes at this angle would make much sense, but this creates a long view with leading lines that bring the eye right down the corridor to the woman. Other leading lines in the ceiling and floor have the same effect.
Space Needle - bottoms up. iPhone 3G
Everyone is familiar with the iconic Space Needle in Seattle, and it would be so easy to take a picture just like all the others that everyone else has made. But by standing as close to the bottom as I could and aiming upward, I was able to make this somewhat unique look at the tower, again with many leading lines to take the viewer’s eye right through the image to the sphere at the top.
Boardwalk. Canon A540, f4, 1/200s
In this image, I got down low to the boardwalk for a different view. This perspective makes the boardwalk the subject of the picture, not the more common sea and sand dunes. And once again, leading lines are at work.
So whether you hug the wall, aim for the sky, or get down low, try changing your perspective on a scene before you hit the shutter release. With some practice, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much more interesting your photos become, and how many different ways there are to “see” something. – Posted by Ed.
2 Guys Photo 