lens-artists: above

Ritva (Ritva Sillanmäki Photography) has invited lens-artist to “… Shoot From Above this week! Let’s get creative with a top-down perspective. Let’s have fun”.

Bird’s-eye View

When photographing a subject from above, it is known as a “bird’s-eye view”. This could be taken from up in the sky, such as when flying in a plane, or could simply be taken by standing on a ladder, slightly above your subject. Photographing from this point of view can make viewers feel as though they are superior to the subject – such as a stern father looking down on his misbehaving child – or protective over the subject. If the subject is an inanimate object, it can sometimes make the viewer feel as though there is a separation between them and the subject. (cited: The New York Film Academy)

A coffee cup, small dish, frozen strawberry, and afternoon sunlight

Point of view photography

“Point of view” in photography simply means the position from which the camera’s eye sees the scene. Is the camera looking down on the subject? Looking up, sideways, or straight on.

How close is your camera to the subject? Is there anything between you and the subject? Is the source of light in front, to the side, or from the back? Every decision you make about point of view has the potential to introduce an unique visual experience to the viewer.