Have you ever noticed that some photos really seem to emphasize the best features of an object or person? When you see one of these photos, you’re instantly drawn to a quality in the photo, but you don’t always recognize what makes these photos so brilliant. While there are many elements to a great photo, might I suggest that perspective may be one of the keys to what you love about the photo.
The opposite is true as well. You’ve most likely noticed this in an unflattering photo of yourself—-most of us have at least one of these that we wish didn’t exist. If the photo had only been taken at a better angle, the double chin would have disappeared, the long nose wouldn’t stick out so far, or the hair would have been more flattering.
I was recently taking photos of my dad’s classic muscle cars at a car show. Muscle cars, by nature, are mean-looking specimens of metal, motor, and rubber. Dad’s cars are no exception. And with the vibrant colors that he loves to paint them, they really stand out. While photographing these cars, I couldn’t help but notice that they look more imposing and muscular from a lower perspective. From this angle, you can see the car’s straight lines, the stance, and the gleam of the paint.
I began taking photos while squatting down, getting as low as I could (keeping in mind that I’m 7-1/2 months pregnant). I mentioned to my husband that the cars looked better from below, and he helped me out by getting down on his belly and taking a few shots from the ground. Later, when I uploaded all the shots, I was amazed at the difference between the two different perspectives. The shots from the ground emphasized all the right angles of the car and added that extra little bit to make the car seem every bit as impressive as it is in real life.
Next time you’re taking photos, make sure that you look at your subject from several different angles, and find one that places it in the best light possible.