Most smartphone photos are taken from eye level, which is exactly why they can look dull. However, simply bending down and looking up can make a world of difference. It sounds simple, but it can have a huge impact on your photos.
- How to take better photos with your smartphone
How big a difference can a low angle shot make?
Lowering your shooting angle can make a big difference to the final look and feel of that photo.
First, low-angle shots offer a new and often unique perspective on the subject you're photographing. Imagine a popular tourist destination where everyone is standing straight up and taking the same basic photo. If you crouch down and point your camera up at your subject, you'll get a perspective that no one else has.
Shooting from a low angle can also add drama to otherwise ordinary subjects. While trees can make beautiful subjects, especially in the fall, they are generally quite boring. However, by crouching down and shooting from above, you can make an ordinary tree look like a majestic giant. And the same effect can even be used on people to give them a sense of heroism.
How to take great low angle photos
While low-angle photography is simple, there are a few extra tips that can help you take things to the next level.
Use the viewfinder wisely
The first and most basic tip is to use your viewfinder wisely. While you should do this with every shot, making sure you line up your subject properly and take into account everything you're shooting, it's even more important with low-angle shots.
This is because it is very easy to get the low angle shot wrong. If you miss the mark, the results will be disappointing. So make sure you have everything aligned and composed correctly by looking into the viewfinder before clicking the virtual shutter button.
Focus on a specific subject
The best low-angle photos focus on a specific subject. Sure, you can include other elements in the photo, but the subject should be the clear star of the photo, with everything else playing a supporting role.
Low-angle photography adds drama to a photo, so there needs to be a main character in every photo. Use secondary elements to provide context and nuance without detracting from the grandeur of the main subject.
Take multiple photos from different angles
Although all low-angle shots should obviously be taken from a low angle, there are many different angles that can be adjusted. When shooting from a low angle, always take multiple shots from slightly different positions.
This is because you can't always rely on the best view through the viewfinder. Get lower, aim higher, move the phone left and right, basically just take a bunch of shots and you can choose later.
Use interesting shapes and lines
Last but not least, it's important to look for interesting lines and shapes when shooting from low angles. Both of these can help with the composition of any photo, but they're especially helpful when shooting low-angle shots.
Why? Because low-angle shots require the viewer to be drawn into the photo. Both leading lines and interesting shapes help with that, providing visual cues that the human eye naturally follows.
Subjects that benefit from low angles
While any subject you want to cover can benefit from shooting from a low angle, there are some subjects that really lend themselves to this trick.
- Large objects
- Animal
- Human
- Nature
Low-angle photography is an easy way to add drama to your smartphone photos. And all you have to do is crouch down and point your camera up; it doesn't require much knowledge or expensive equipment.
Sure, there are certain subjects that benefit the most from low-angle photography and some tips to help you take better photos, but at the end of the day, it's still a simple yet effective technique.
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