#Basic Photography, Amateur Photography 

How to Effectively Use Camera Angles in Photography

by Chad Verzosa

  

There is more to photography than just pointing and clicking. In order to create truly stunning images, you need to understand the power of camera angles in photography. Angles can make or break a photograph, and by using them effectively, you can take your photos from good to great. 

 

Camera Angles in Photography for Intimate Perspectives: Taking Eye Level Portraits

Eye level is the simplest and most common photography angle. This is the most familiar perspective for us.
The first step is to look at the eyes of the person you’re photographing. Newbie photographers often use their own eyes as the guide for eye-level shots.
But in reality, you need to be in line with your subject’s eye. If you find yourself tilting your camera up or down, you’re doing it wrong.
Move your camera to match the height of your subject. If the subject is taller than you, turn on the live view on your screen and lift your camera above your head.
When you’re shooting a smaller person, consider crouching or even kneeling.
You should also pay attention to your subject’s head. Face angles are essential when it comes to eye-level shots. In most situations, you want your model to look away from the lens.
Ask them to fix their gaze on an object behind the camera. Doing so prevents them from looking awkward in your shots.
If you want intimate portraits, have them stare into the lens. Or you can ask them to look at your camera’s logo on top of the camera, instead.  

Try a Low Angle Shot to Make Your Subject Appear Huge

Eye level can get boring if that’s the only perspective you use. You can always switch it up by using low angle shots, instead.
A low angle shot makes your subject look much bigger than they are. If you want them to look dominant in your image, then it’s the best perspective to use.
Low angles also make movement in your photo more dramatic. Since it makes legs look gigantic, anything your subject does also looks more intense.
That’s why movies use them a lot in action scenes.
But there is also a downside. Low angles are not the best option when it comes to portraits because it makes people appear unappealing since you’re shooting from below.
It can also make your subject look menacing because their bodies look out of proportion. Feel free to take some test shots and figure out if it’s the right perspective for your image. 

Go With a High Angle Shot to Include the Background

If you want to make a person look smaller than average, take a high angle shot. Since you’re shooting down on them, you make your subject look diminutive.
This perspective also evokes various psychological effects on the viewer. In most cases, it makes your subject look less powerful because they look small.
Its effect becomes more apparent when you’re shooting a few feet above them. It can also help convey childlike innocence especially if they’re staring up into the lens.
If you raise your camera a bit higher, this angle can create a perception of freedom. Why? Because shooting from high up makes people feel like flying.
You often see movies show epic shots of actors from a crane. 

Use a Bird’s Eye View Angle With a Drone

Ready to take your high angle shots to new heights? Consider using the bird’s eye view. As the term implies, this perspective involves taking photos from the sky.
The bird’s eye view is the same as the high angle shot. The only difference is that you’re taking photos from a considerable height.
These days, you can produce a bird’s eye view image using a drone. But you can also do it by going to the higher levels of a building and pointing your camera downward.
The bird’s eye view can make your subject feel significantly smaller than when you’re on the ground. This perspective can also make your audience feel like they’re looking at a diorama.
This unique perspective also covers more area since you’re farther away from your subject. So it’s the perfect way to document landscapes and architecture as well. 

Use the Dutch Angle for Edgy Photos

The Dutch angle (a.k.a. tilted angle) makes images look edgy because it provides an unconventional perspective.
People expect photos to be straight all the time. When you tilt your frame, you grab your audience’s attention because it’s out of the ordinary.
This creative perspective has its roots in cinema. Since it makes your photo look unstable, it creates a feeling of discomfort. That’s why you see horror movies use it a lot.
But the dutch tilt doesn’t have to be menacing all the time. It could also make the action in your photo seem more adventurous and daring.
The tilted framing adds the illusion of motion. It enhances the movement of your subject. So it’s not surprising that you also see it in action scenes all the time.

Take Close-Ups for Intimate Portraits

The close-up is among the most useful photography angles available. It provides the perfect distance between you and the subject.
It creates an intimate and friendly atmosphere in your photos. This angle is not confrontational, but it’s also not too distant.
When shooting portraits, think about the distance from a person when you’re talking with them. You shouldn’t be too far away that you have to scream.
But you also shouldn’t be too close that you’re invading their personal space.
Portrait photographers use close-up shots all the time. But it’s also one of the most common photography angles for still life photography.
It’s effective because it offers a perspective that matches how we look at objects in real life. 

Take Extreme Close-Ups to Capture Facial Details, Like Eyes

Extreme close-up (a.k.a. ECU) creates a more intimate space between the image and the viewer than an average close-up. It also allows your audience to interact with your photo in a more personal manner.
This angle lets people see finer details they wouldn’t otherwise.
The ECU has a lot of positive uses, but it can also have negative effects on your photos. Its distance can make people feel claustrophobic.
And since it’s confrontational, it may also create discomfort for some of your viewers. Most of all, focusing on one area prevents you from showing the rest of your subject. Keep this in mind when you’re composing your shots. 

Use a Long Shot to Show the Subject’s Environment

A long shot is a technical term that implies shooting from a distance. Photographers often use it to show the environment the subject is in.
You can use a long shot to photograph any place whether it’s a street or a hallway. Its primary purpose is to establish a scenario and provide people with more context of the location in the image.
If you want to take a long shot, the whole length of the person you’re photographing should fit within the frames.
You also need to show enough of the location to give people a clue where everything is taking place. 

Try Extreme Long Shots to Add a Sense of Scale

The purpose of an extreme long shot is to show the massiveness of the location as compared to your subject.
So if you’re shooting a person in a city for instance, then the buildings and the sky need to take up most of the space.
This angle works much like the regular long shot. The only difference is that your distance from your subject is now more considerable.
In other words, you should be far enough from your point of interest that it’s only a small section in your image. 

Take a Wide Angle Shot to Introduce Creative Distortions

The wide angle isn’t so much about how you position yourself while taking a photo. Its magic lies in how it distorts the elements in your image.
So you can shoot with it from various perspectives and create a unique result every time.
For instance, you can use a wide-angle shot to make your subject appear bigger. It creates a similar effect to a low angle shot since it throws your subject’s limbs out of proportion.
But you can also use a wide angle for long shots. When you shoot from a distance, it tends to make your subject look smaller. So in this way, it makes the background look more prominent in the image.
Using wide angle also allows you to photograph beautiful landscapes and architectures. You can shoot more of the scenery since it covers a lot more space than a regular lens. 

Your use of camera angles makes all the difference when creating exceptional photography. So take your time to learn them to help you engage your audience more.
Remember that it’s not all about the cool perspectives. It’s also how you make people feel about your images in general. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Using Dynamic Angles for Ultra Impact – Free Quick Guide

Download Your Free Guide Now →

Good composition is a key aspect of every photo that’s worth looking at. Producing a strong composition, no matter what your subject is, makes for a more interesting photograph.

The popular rules of composition in photography are used frequently for a reason. Applied well, they captivate a viewer’s attention for longer. But they can become a little tired if overused. 

This is why it’s important to keep experimenting with the common composition rules but also implementing other, less-used rules, and that’s where dynamic angles come into play.

In this guide, you will learn how to make use of dynamic angles for ultra-impact in your photos. 

Experimenting with camera angles can add a fresh perspective to your compositions, especially when photographing ordinary subjects.

Here is what’s covered:

• The importance of understanding composition so you can effectively break the rules
• Use the space you’re given and fill up that frame with your dynamic angle
• Utilize the camera format
• Carefully select your lens focal length
• Don’t always stand rigid; get down, or get up on something
• Practice your creative intuition

Ready? Grab your reserved copy below.

Photo Credit: Kevin Landwer-Johan

Download Your Free Guide Now →

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Shameless Plug:  Be sure to check out my videos near the bottom of this page.  If you like what you see You can visit my Photography video site on Rumble.com via this link: 

https://tinyurl.com/4hs6br2n 

While you're there, please smash the "follow" button so you'll be notified when I post new content.  Thanks for watching).  

 

 

 

 Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

 

 

 

 

                                                                                            

 

 

 #Basic Photography, Amateur Photography

Why You Need to Manage Expectations – Both Yours and Your Client’s

By: Simon Ringsmuth 

As you prepare for a photo session with clients you probably run through a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. Cameras? Check. Lenses? Check. Lighting modifiers? Good to go. Props, step stools, spare batteries? Got ’em.

But one thing that often gets left behind, so to speak, is a set of expectations that you and your client might have for the photo session. You might have something in mind for the session based on your experience, your work with previous clients, or the particular set of gear you are bringing along. But if your clients have a different set of expectations it can spell big trouble and will require a lot more than a few batteries and extra memory cards to fix.

These clients hired me for a maternity session and it went smoothly thanks to a very clear set of 

expectations that we discussed beforehand.

Expectations are important

Think of the many ways in which your expectations influence your perception of the services and products you buy. When you go out to eat you will expect a certain level of service based on previous visits. If you go on vacation you will probably look for reviews online and base your satisfaction of the accommodations on how well those expectations were met.

If you hire a contractor to remodel your kitchen you will make sure to have lengthy discussions with them to make sure the work they perform is precisely what you want. It’s fair to say that as a consumer you probably base many of your buying decisions on expectations that have been set for you.

And yet, as a photographer, how often have you worked to set expectations for potential clients? Your website might proudly proclaim that you do weddings and formal events, but there are probably two dozen other photographers in your area who offer similar services. The same goes for most types of photography: families, youth sports, products, high school seniors, or even aerial drone images.

You’re good at what you do but what makes you stand out from the rest, and what can your clients expect when you show up to take pictures? 

 

What can clients expect from you?

One of the first things I learned when I started doing portraits for clients was that the things which I thought were the most important were not at the top of my clients’ priority lists. I spent so much time thinking about pricing and choosing a template for my website that I neglected to properly craft a message letting clients know what they could really expect out of me.

A few dozen sample images of portraits in parks along with a testimonial or two are a great way to market yourself. But these don’t really tell clients much about your approach to a photo session or what you will do to get the shots they are looking for.

Set expectations early

Think about the many ways in which you can set expectations in advance to let clients know how things will go. This goes well beyond simply telling your clients how much you charge, how many prints or images you will deliver, and whether you take checks or credit cards.

For a session to go smoothly think about the more esoteric expectations and do your best to manage them before a single click of your camera shutter. Some items to ponder would be…

• Your shooting style: Are you easygoing, flexible, and open to improvisation or do you have a more strict and pre-planned approach to photo sessions?
• Accepting input: Do you incorporate input from clients in terms of poses, locations, or picture ideas?
• Who can attend the session: Will you let clients bring friends, family, or even pets to a photo session? (Not to get their pictures taken, but just for help, encouragement, or comfort.)
• Where you draw the line: Are you willing to engage in illegal or semi-legal activity to get photos? Some clients might want to shoot in areas that prohibit trespassing or are otherwise off-limits which might be beyond the scope of your services. “But my friend got photos taken at this abandoned warehouse last year.” they might say, in which case you might advise your client to solicit the help of another photographer.
• What types of pictures are off limits? Your clients might want to do pictures on train tracks or recreate some risqué images they saw on Instagram. If that’s not your cup of tea, your clients need to know about it. And in the case of train tracks, the answer should always be NO!

This picture was not my idea; my clients suggested it on the day of the shoot, and we made it 

happen. I told them that I was open to their ideas so they offered some, and the results were great.

More expectation examples

• Posing: Are you the type of photographer who likes to use specific formal poses or do you take a more casual hands-off approach? This is especially important if you are doing wedding and other types of events that are not easy to replicate.
• What’s your approach to social media? Will you share pictures of the session online, talk about the session before or afterward, or snap behind-the-scenes photos to ingratiate yourself to other potential clients? Some people might be fine with this but other clients may prefer more privacy. If so you would need to adjust your approach for those clients, or let them know so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to use your services.
• Photography locations: Do your clients want to shoot in locations that just won’t work (or the wrong time of day), or you simply can’t get to with your gear? Discuss what your clients expect beforehand so you won’t be caught off guard during the session if they ask you to shoot in a dimly-lit alley, behind a waterfall, or in the middle of a crowded mall.
• Photography assistant: Do you use a second shooter and if so, what will his or her role be during the session?
• Turn-around times: How long will your clients have to wait to get prints or digital files after the session?

I was asked by some friends to take pictures at a funeral for their loved one. The key to the 

whole experience was a crystal-clear understanding of what the clients wanted and what my role 

was as the photographer. 

his is just a starting point. You are going to have other things that are unique to yourself and 

your photography. And even though some of these might be clearly spelled out in your contract, 

it’s a good idea to set and manage expectations clearly and without room for misinterpretation.  

A contract may cover you in legal terms, but don’t assume your clients have meticulously read 

and understand every single word.

Open communication is key

In my experience, one of the best ways to set these expectations is to have some kind of real-time 

back-and-forth dialog with your clients. Exchanging information over email and social media is fine, 

but when it comes to hashing out the details of a photo session nothing beats a phone call or in-person 

meeting.

If the latter isn’t all that practical, then, by all means, talk with your clients on the phone or via video 

chat. This can help you set a positive tone for the session, ease their minds about any concerns they 

might have, and give you a chance to explain what they can expect. Reassure them that you have their 

best interests in mind.

What do you expect from your clients?

There’s a flip side to setting expectations and it’s one that sometimes gets overlooked when planning 

or executing a photo session. You might have bent over backward to let your clients know what to 

expect from you, but what have you done to let your clients know what you expect from them?

Just as every photographer is different, each client is also unique. They have an attitude and approach 

that separates them from everyone else. In order to make sure things run smoothly, think about ways 

to communicate your expectations of them with your clients. Otherwise you, and they could end up 

knee-deep in frustration with no easy way out.

• Punctuality: Do you value punctuality and expect your clients to be on time for a photo shoot? 
• This might seem obvious but not all clients take the same disciplined approach as you might 
• when it comes to arriving when they are supposed to.
• Cell phone usage during a session: Will you ask your clients to put their phones away during 
• the session? For some photographers, this isn’t an issue, but others get irked if clients are 
• constantly 
• snapping, tweeting, and texting during a photo session. If you expect them to be focused and 
• attentive, 
• let them know in advance.

When this family arrived I spent a few minutes explaining how I was going to conduct the session 

and listened to their ideas as well. It set a positive tone that resulted in some images that they really 

liked.

More examples of your potential expectations:

• Transportation on-site: Do you expect your clients to be able to walk around or transport 
• themselves to different locations? If you are doing high school senior photos do you plan on 
• taking them to different locations in your vehicle? If so, do the seniors and their parents know 
• that this might be a possibility? Iron out these details beforehand or you could find yourself in 
• an uncomfortable situation the day of the shoot.
• Other photographers at the session: If you are doing a wedding, will you be the only 
• photographer or will the groom’s uncle (who just got a new DSLR for his birthday) be hanging 
• out taking photos also? Some photographers don’t mind this sort of thing, but most would rather 
• the clients tell Uncle Bob to leave his camera at home and let you do your job. Communicate 
• your expectations well in advance to avoid hurt feelings the day of the ceremony. 

When working with kids, especially infants, things are never going to go how you expect! +

But discussing things with the parents beforehand is a good way to help deal with issues as they 

crop up.

As before, these are only some of the things to consider when setting client expectations and the 

best way to go about doing that is with a phone call or other type of back-and-forth conversation. 

This information might be on your website, but it’s incumbent on you as the photographer to do 

everything you can to make sure your clients know what you expect of them. Don’t simply just 

assume they have read through every page of your site.

This family was a joy to work with, largely because of clear expectations from both parties 

(the family and myself).

Finally, one tip that might be useful to you is to make a checklist of these items so you have it 

handy during conversations with the client. This way you can update it over time as new issues 

come to light, and you can make sure to properly address all the most pressing expectation issues 

that could come into play before, during, and after a session.

The goal here is to make every session a positive experience for your clients as well as yourself, 

and the more work you do to manage expectations for all parties involved, the happier everyone 

will be.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Free Photography Ebook

Tips and Tricks for Capturing Stunning Portraits Using Your Flash – Free Quick Guide

Download Your Free Guide Now →

Do you struggle to capture stunning portraits because the lighting is not how you’d prefer it to be?

Adding a pop of flash to portraits is a great way to control your portraits’ lighting and atmosphere.

Most photographers who need more confidence using their flash will find it challenging to use for 

portraits.

Flash adds another level of complexity. But once you know how to manage your flash, you will surely 

appreciate the depth and dynamics it adds to a portrait.

Here is what you will learn.

• First steps to understanding the use of electronic flash in portraiture
• Balancing the output of the flash to the surrounding ambient lighting
• Setting up your flash
• Why it’s easier to use the Manual Mode on an electronic flash versus its automatic modes
• The purpose and use of flash modifiers
• The difference between on-camera flash and off-camera flash

Get your copy below.

Photo Credit: Kevin Landwer-Johan

Download Your Free Guide Now →

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

https://www.photocrowd.com/photo-competitions/photography-awards/apoy-2023/

Under 21? Also enter Young APOY23 for free! 

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Shameless Plug:  Be sure to check out my videos near the bottom of this page.  If you like what you see You can visit my Photography video site on Rumble.com via this link: 

https://tinyurl.com/4hs6br2n 

While you're there, please smash the "follow" button so you'll be notified when I post new content.  Thanks for watching).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

#Basic Photography, Amateur Photography

Please visit me on Rumble.com to see my photography related videos. 

 

 The video above is called "10 Photography ideas at home".   It shows you 10 ways to

cleverly display YOUR photography imagination and creativity.

You can watch it free of charge by copy and pasting the link below into your browser,

and using the "ENTER" key on your keyboard.

https://rumble.com/v3a81k5-10-photography-ideas-at-home.html

  #Basic Photography, Amateur Photography 

by Darryl Turner

In an effort to encourage Senior Citizens to engage in videography I created a video showcasing a 61 year old American spinning nunchuckas.

 

 Please copy and paste this link into your browser, click ENTER, and enjoy the video.

https://tinyurl.com/3r28wjkp

 

 #Basic Photography, Amateur Photography

Tips for Preparing for a Portrait Session

 By: Erin Fitzgibbon

A portrait session can be a nerve-racking event. There’s so much to remember and prepare before the actual press of the shutter button. It takes a lot of prep work. People don’t always realize what goes into being ready.
Even if you’re an amateur taking pics of your family and friends, there are some important steps to take if you want to capture some really beautiful images. Here are some tips to help you out.

In some cases, planning for a shoot is really simple. In this case, we took the kids to the beach at 

sunset to shoot some pics we could share on social media.

Logistics and Planning

This is the part where you discuss the portrait session with your friends or clients. You need to pick a date, location, and a time. You should also discuss backup dates in case the original plan doesn’t work.
If you’re shooting professionally, you need to get the contract signed, collect a deposit and ensure that clients know under which circumstances their deposit (retainer) is refundable.

Image Sharing

If you are taking family pics at a reunion and you intend to share these photos with everyone, consider setting up an online photo album you can send to everyone. It’s much easier to share the pics this way.
Make sure you have everyone’s email so that they can all download the images afterward. It’s a huge pain to email people separately. You’re taking the pictures to stay in control and don’t overwork yourself sending them to everyone. They can take some of the responsibility.
If there are older family members, consider printing out a set of instructions they can use for accessing and downloading the images. I’ve run into that issue before and found myself driving an hour to click download on someone’s computer.

Another from the sunset shoot of informal family pics.

The Style and Portrait Session Design

It’s also a good idea to discuss the type of look and feel you want to create in the portrait session. If you’re working professionally, this is really important. Make sure you and the clients are on the same page.
Do they want relaxed, candid images or do they prefer something more formal? Clothing can affect the look of a photo shoot so be sure to discuss attire. If you’re snapping pics at a family event, you probably won’t have much control over the look of the images unless you plan and get everyone on board.
I’ve seen families choose themes like “Old West” for a fun afternoon of photos. At some reunions, I’ve seen groups create a t-shirt they all wear to commemorate the pics.
A friend of mine set up a photo booth at a Christmas party. Everyone was asked to bring one piece of “bling” for their photo. When paired with the props and the background she created, it was a ton of fun.

In this case, I was working with a family. Prior to the shoot, I visited the home and we discussed 

possible locations.

Location Matters

The chosen location can also affect the look and feel of a shoot. Consider a big comfy couch in a brightly lit room versus wooden dining room chairs on a studio backdrop. The background can considerably change the feel of an image so plan carefully.

Props

Collect some props for the portrait session. If you’re working with really young people like toddlers, it is really helpful to have things to distract the kids. Teenagers love goofy items they can hold and use for posing.
If you’re working with your own kids, it can be a huge battle to get them to cooperate. I find other people’s kids far more flexible, but if I want to photograph my kids, it’s a huge ordeal.
So think about styling the shoot in such a way that your little ones will cooperate. This might mean including their favorite toy is in the image. That’s okay! Go with it because it’s far better to get a positive, happy image than a forced angry looking smile.

This was another paid session. The family had gathered for a 50th-anniversary celebration. They 

were dressed semi-formal for the occasion.

Be Informed and Plan Ahead

Make sure you do your research. Know the area in which you are going to be shooting. It’s helpful to visit the site before the shoot so you can be familiar with all the little nooks and crannies.
Plan your route to the photo shoot if you can’t visit before the big day. Download offline instructions to your phone in case you lose your connection. It’s happened to me once that I lost the signal and drove around for ages before I could find the location.

Get Permits if Needed

Double check to be sure you don’t need a permit for shooting at a specific location. Some places require you to buy a permit. So don’t get caught without one.
I know of a family that planned to do photos in the Distillery District here in Toronto only to learn they could not photograph each other when they were halfway through the shoot. I’ve also seen a family get in a lot of trouble for trespassing on private land. All they wanted to do was take a family pic for their Facebook profiles.
So double check that you can visit and use the site you want for the session. If you’re shooting professionally, permits and property releases are a must so be sure to take care of the entire nitty gritty well before the day of the shoot.

Backup Plans are Essential

Have a Plan B. Always! Have an alternative plan at the ready. You never know what may go wrong. Have a family member bring an extra camera (or rent or borrow one) in case yours breaks. Choose an alternate site if the first won’t work.
Just be prepared. The reality is that when things go wrong, they usually go horribly wrong. So try to plan for every possible road bump in advance.

This shoot was planned for months. Friends were happy to join me for a day of photographs in the 

winter.

Day of the Portrait Session

Always make a checklist of items that you can use to help you pack up and be ready for the photoshoot. It’s really frustrating to leave equipment at home.
Arrive early! This should go without saying. You don’t want to make people wait.
Check the weather forecast and make sure you can contact people in case of emergencies. Get contact numbers from folks.
Be prepared to have fun! Just before everyone arrives or your clients show up at the studio make sure you’ve relaxed a little. I know some photographers who take 5 minutes to have a coffee before shooting. Others will sit and meditate for a few minutes beforehand.
Whatever works for you, just make sure you are confident and enthusiastic before you begin shooting. Your nerves will affect the quality of your work so don’t let them control you.

Photography is so much more than picking up a camera. To take memorable images, you need to put in some effort and plan out the event. So think carefully about the shoot and make sure you have everything ready.
If you are prepared and relaxed you will enjoy the event more, and so will those you are photographing!

We wanted to create some of those images where you make snow dust. Of course, there was just
too much white space around our chosen location. So sometimes your plans won’t work.

We tried a lot of different locations.

Eventually, we chose to shoot portraits that were much different from our initial plans.

Finally, make sure you share with us some of the ways you prepare for a photography session. Let’s get a good base of tips together we can use to our benefit.

Share this article. 

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                         Advertisement:

https://tinyurl.com/yc6v36k7  

State your feelings without saying a word.  Click the link above to get your cup.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------