Shutter Sisters

playing with perspective

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The Shutter Sisters often write about how to give our photos an extra boost by playing with perspective. We dedicated much of our book “Expressive Photography” to the subject of perspective and the important role it plays in successful and expressive photography. It’s an easy way to turn a snap shot into a more interesting and thought provoking photograph. Even though I know all about this subject, I often need a reminder myself. I love the above photo for two reasons. First, it is special to me because it is taken from my own viewpoint as I carry my little guy in a sling (which required me to hold the camera high above my head, point down and hope for the best). And second, because at first glance the shot may seem little confusing and make the viewer wonder what they are truly seeing. This can make for a more interesting photo. As always, our Flickr Group is a great resource. Here are some great examples of people playing with perspective in ways that may have you looking twice.

Have you played with perspective recently? Please share your examples with us!

Comments

  14. " the shot may seem little confusing and make the viewer wonder what they are truly seeing.'

    Yesterday marked the start of the Great Arcata to Ferndale Kinetic Sculpture Race, and opportunities to capture confusing perspectives were endless. These works of 'art' are functional, human powered, and have to navigate roads, sand, mud, water, great distances and did I mention they have to be totally and completely human powered?

    Here is my day's favorite – look closely at the materials used to construct 😉

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/humbirdhum/5770738312/in/photostream

  16. Hi I just happened upon your site from a friends website I really love it!.

    The photo is excellent, I actually at firsty glance thought you had your head covered and the baby was over your shoulder, most likely because that's the way I am used to seening babies (not with the mammys head covered though haha).

    I really loved this shot. I personally love low angled shots or ones that are at level with lower subject matters but feel lately I depend too much on that perspective and would like a shake up. Glad I was forwarded to your site. Take care John

    my shot the dog (not as interesting as yours though) http://gfrogstudio.blogspot.com/2011/05/long-over-due-post-part-1.html

  21. I'm so thrilled to have been featured in this blog post (the Post It Note monster) – thank you! I love the photo featured in this post too – beautiful.