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!
Valerie says
I was recently traveling and had too much gear (toddler) to carry along my good camera. All I had was a point-and-shoot that goes blurry after only a few minutes of drain on the battery. But by putting it at ground level, I came up with some shots I still love. http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2011/05/puddling.html
Jess says
Ohmygoodness. I love LOVE that sweet photo.
Chantal says
Sorry, no perspective work, haha
Andrea says
This is an attempt of perspective although one could argue that it is the depth of field more than the perspective that rules the picture. I was observing my son trying to get beyond that door….
http://www.andreahandl.de/?p=394
Marcie says
Here's a rather different perspective of this flower:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/5/27/saturday-salon-marie-otero.html
Birgitte says
It sure took me a while to figure that one out! Great photo!
Here is one from me: http://www.simplepicsfromaround.com/2011/05/i-love-benches.html
urban muser says
this is a beautiful shot. i definitely had to look twice to figure out how you were holding him.
Kelly says
What a wonderful perspective to have captured – he won't be tiny enough to carry like that for long…
In this first picture, my husband, son and I were climbing the spiral staircase of a tower. I looked up and was able to get this shot.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58821554@N06/5767433999/in/photostream
And this one is a different perspective on ocean and sand.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58821554@N06/5767433831/in/photostream/
Jess says
What a great shot!
http://jessicavescera.blogspot.com/2011/05/joes-new-bed.html
Cherish says
I love experimenting with perspective – sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Here are a few of mine…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cherrybee/5545763844/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cherrybee/5620693835/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cherrybee/5572249426/in/photostream
DebC says
Great post!
I've been a photographer (amateur) for decades
and this is a timely reminder for me to use altered perspectives occasionally.
Thanks.
http://simplify-daily-life.blogspot.com/2011/05/20110528-perspective-in-photography.html
diane stanley says
this photo had me so confused…My husband had to explain it to me.
Michelle P says
Oh, goodness. Look at the little bundle of love! Precious.
Jill says
" 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 ๐
http://www.flickr.com/photos/humbirdhum/5770738312/in/photostream
Debbie Ealer says
ive been playing with shooting from the top instead of straight on,also been playing with negative space also
http://www.flickr.com/photos/debbsga/5736154013/in/photostream
John says
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
Doris says
Here's one of mine I really like. Down on the floor with the cat as he's playing with a twist tie.
http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/october-1-2010/
removeyourlenscap says
so precious. it did take me a second to figure out the angle/perspective. hehe, and baby is flipping us off too. ๐ how sweet they are at this age!
autumn sun says
here's one from a recent trip
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/5781192751/
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photo Blog says
Recently I was hanging out in the yard with my boyfriend and our dogs; they took off, leaving Rodrigo's ball alone and abandoned. I took several images from different angles just to see what each angle gave me….it was fun!
http://www.kimberlygauthier.com/photography/compose-a-photograph-by-changing-your-point-of-view/5607/
Rach says
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.
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