The art of arranging objects in the frame determines not only the aesthetic appeal of the image, but also its ability to convey certain emotions, create a mood and even tell a story. Creative angles offer the opportunity to go beyond the usual and create more unique and memorable images.
Placing the camera at an angle and other ways of changing its “look” allow photographers to play with visual impressions and evoke new emotions in viewers.
Composition is something that is not easily changed at the retouching stage, so you need to think about it in the preparatory stages and during the shoot itself. In turn, small flaws in an interesting shot are easy to edit. For example, you can remove the red-eye effect in just a few minutes with https://retouchme.com/service/red-eye-remover.
Traditional angles that are used in photography
- Direct angle. This involves observing the subject directly from the front, without tilting or rotating the camera. It is used to look directly at the subject and convey its details and shape.
- Low angle. The camera gives the impression of looking “from the bottom up.” This composition makes the subject appear majestic or powerful, especially when photographing architectural structures or natural landscapes.
- High angle. The camera looks down from above, which helps to create an overall view of the scene.
These traditional angles are well known and look predictable. This is why many photographers strive to use creative angles to give their work novelty and originality.
Creative composition
Unconventional approaches to frame construction give images added meaning and emotional depth.
- The angle “From Inside”.
This composition offers a unique view of an object or situation shot from the inside, be it from a car, building or other object. The viewer feels as if he or she is inside the frame, penetrating deeper into what is happening.
- The “From the ground” angle.
The composition resembles the “from the bottom up” option, but the camera is positioned as low as possible, down to the ground level. The object in the frame will look incredibly large, which can give a different emotional effect.
- The “From a Great Height” angle.
Shooting from top to bottom can be done not only on outstretched arms. The photographer can use special platforms, drones, work from an elevation or roof. So you can capture in the frame wide panoramas or “see” the object from a non-standard side.
- The “Through the Obstacle” angle.
Using obstacles such as windows, doors or trees, the photographer can create the effect of physical presence in the scene, as if the viewer is watching the action through the obstacle.
- The “Reflected in Reflection” angle.
Shooting an object through its reflection in a mirror, glass or water surface creates an unusual effect.
The main thing in using creative angles is to stay open to new ideas and look for opportunities to express yourself through visual images.
Technical aspects
When shooting non-standard angles, it is important to consider various technical aspects that can affect the final result of the image. For example, when choosing a lens, you need to consider its focal length. Wide-angle lenses are often used for shooting from low angles or to create a deep space effect.
The aperture determines the depth of field of the image. When shooting from non-standard angles, especially if the frame contains objects at different distances from the camera, it is important to set the indicators correctly to achieve the desired effect of sharpness and blur.
If a photographer is working with unusual compositional options, there is often a need to ensure camera stability. Using a tripod can help avoid blurred images and keep details sharp.
To successfully incorporate non-standard angles into your own photography practice, it is important to consider the context and purpose of your project. It is advisable to start by experimenting in practice, trying to shoot the same subjects or scenes from different angles to assess the visual effect and emotional impact.
It is especially interesting to experiment with non-standard angles in situations where you want to convey a special atmosphere or emphasize certain aspects of the subject. For example, in portrait photography, you can use creative composition to emphasize the model’s personality or her inner world.
