Getting Creative with Perspectives

Are you struggling to make your photos stand out from the crowd? Perhaps you think your photos look ordinary? If that sounds familiar, then try getting creative with perspectives or different vantage points!

Here are five tips to get you started.

1. Shoot Down On Your Subject
Try holding your camera above your head and shoot downwards with your subject directly beneath you. Use a shorter lens and stand on a chair if you can. This viewpoint creates a stronger and more interesting image.

2. Shoot Up to Your Subject
For a really dramatic perspective, try shooting directly upwards at your subject. Put things around your lens so it looks like your subject is peeking down. This perspective is unique and is rarely noticed by people, which will make your photo stand out. Try lying on the ground on your back, with your subject(s) positioned around you looking down. The resulting photo really draws the viewer’s eye into the picture. Remember to use a narrow aperture to keep everything in focus!

3. Use a Low Viewpoint to Create Depth
This vantage point is all about getting really low, squatting, sitting, or kneeling but looking straight ahead. By choosing a low vantage point for the photo, more of the foreground has been included, giving an increased sense of depth. This also usually gives your subject a greater impression of power or importance. The leading lines draw the viewer’s eye directly to the subject as well.

Want to learn more about composition? Check out Composition for Storytellers!

4. Use Reflections in Water, Mirrors and Windows
Transform an image from ordinary to a creative work of art by incorporating reflections. Because this kind of perspective involves adding layers, it creates a feeling of depth. So look for reflections in windows of a building, a puddle of water, or even a pair of mirrored sunglasses.

Check out these other great courses:
Diary of a Creative Storyteller
The Photo Narrative

5. Shoot Through Something to Frame the Shot
The last tip here is to frame an image by shooting through an object or using the surroundings. Surroundings that contain shapes naturally lend themselves to framing an image, or you can always hold an object up to the lens. Be open to experimenting! Some things I’ve tried are water bottles, slinkies, prisms, ziploc bags, dryer sheets, and the list goes on. The blurring and softening of the edges adds interest and focus.

For more inspiration from Heidi, follow her on Instagram!