playing with perspective

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

[Valerie]

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]

Ohmygoodness. I love LOVE that sweet photo.

[Chantal]

Sorry, no perspective work, haha

[Andrea]

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]

Here's a rather different perspective of this flower:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/5/27/saturday-salon-marie-otero.html

[Birgitte]

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]

this is a beautiful shot. i definitely had to look twice to figure out how you were holding him.

[Kelly]

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]

What a great shot!

http://jessicavescera.blogspot.com/2011/05/joes-new-bed.html

[Cherish]

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]

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]

this photo had me so confused...My husband had to explain it to me.

[Michelle P]

Oh, goodness. Look at the little bundle of love! Precious.

[Jill]

" 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

[Debbie Ealer]

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]

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]

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]

so precious. it did take me a second to figure out the angle/perspective. hehe, and baby is flipping us off too. ;) how sweet they are at this age!

[autumn sun]

here's one from a recent trip
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/5781192751/

[Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Photo Blog]

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]

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.

[http://www.online-replica.net/online-replica-franc]

No man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is, won't make you cry.-<a href="http://www.repsking.com/knockoff-belts-ct265.html">cheap belts</a>

[B.J. Raji Jersey]

Thanks for posting! I really enjoyed the report. I’ve already bookmark this article.
http://www.steelersshoponline.com/hines-ward-jersey
http://www.steelersshoponline.com/ike-taylor-jersey
http://www.steelersshoponline.com/mike-wallace-jersey
http://www.steelersshoponline.com/ben-roethlisberger-jersey