Concepts of Composition : Viewpoint

[Preacherman]

A change of viewpoint can dramatically affect the scene. Can't get out today for snow, so I have had to remain indoors. I think it can be illustrated though. It's obvious to anyone that if you change your position you change the shot, but most people with a camera will instinctively bring the camera up to the eye and snap with little consideration for the alternative. Eye level shots produce repetitive viewpoints. Take this picture of an ornament for example.



Exploring a subject, however, is one way in which the photographer can present mundane objects in a new and revealing way. A low viewpoint emphasisng the foreground leads the gaze into the image from the bottom.




High viewpoints, not well demonstrated on this subject but hopefully helping in the illustration somewhat, detaches the viewer from the subject/action as the gaze is forced to look downwards into the image whilst concentrating on the focus (in this case the bird). Combine these two concepts by also shifting from side to side rather than just up or down and you can create juxtapositions that might otherwise go unnoticed. This can have a dislocating but often invigorating effect, especially when applied to architecture.




Here, I had a little fun with light painting whilst demonstrating a crop or two.




"Photography is not about the thing photographed. It is about how that thing looks photographed". Gary Winogrand.

[Tenzin'sMom]

Thanks again for great illustrations of this concept! I think the second one is actually my favorite composition of this set -- looking up at her really emphasizes the way her arms are lifted up. Great job, Paul!

[Jill H]

thanks for illustrating and sharing this. Very interesting. I think I agree, I like the second view looking up the best.

[fstopMike]

Very interesting, Paul. Excellent job of illustrating different viewpoints. The second is my favorite as well.

[equilution]

Excellent lesson, Paul, and very well demonstrated. I think you've defininitely shown what a difference a view makes. Thanks for sharing.

[SoxAddict]

Another important concept nicely illustrated Paul. I find this concept particularly useful when taking pics of things like statues etc. It's easy for us to instinctively try and capture the thing in its natural setting, but you've demonstrated really nicely how a couple of different viewpoints, where possible, can dramatically increase the object's interest 2 and 3 especially show this.

[Preacherman]

Originally Posted by Tenzin'sMom

Thanks again for great illustrations of this concept! I think the second one is actually my favorite composition of this set -- looking up at her really emphasizes the way her arms are lifted up. Great job, Paul!

Thank you Helen, esp for the motivation to continue. 2 is my fav too. PAUL

Originally Posted by Jill H

thanks for illustrating and sharing this. Very interesting. I think I agree, I like the second view looking up the best.

Thanks Jill. Appreciate your comments. PAUL

Originally Posted by fstopMike

Very interesting, Paul. Excellent job of illustrating different viewpoints. The second is my favorite as well.

Seems like a consensus Mike. Thanks mate. PAUL

Originally Posted by equilution

Excellent lesson, Paul, and very well demonstrated. I think you've defininitely shown what a difference a view makes. Thanks for sharing.

Only simple concepts Jim, but often they can be the most potent. Thanks again. PAUL

[Preacherman]

Originally Posted by SoxAddict

Another important concept nicely illustrated Paul. I find this concept particularly useful when taking pics of things like statues etc. It's easy for us to instinctively try and capture the thing in its natural setting, but you've demonstrated really nicely how a couple of different viewpoints, where possible, can dramatically increase the object's interest 2 and 3 especially show this.

Thanks Nicky. I wanted to demonstrate it with buildings, but snow and minus 3 celcius prevented that. Thanks for your support. PAUL

[dvetter]

Paul, point well taken. A very important concept, as shown in your demonstration the view point can be critical to achieving the best results! I would have to say the low viewpoint achieved the best results here. Thanks again for this informative post Paul

[vimalkv]

Paul you have sucessfully illustrated the concept of viewpoint, while composing, in a beautiful and effective manner..Thanks a lot for this thread..