The Photographers' Perspective

To quote Charles Lewis, Successful photographers are those who do what the unsuccessful photographers are unwilling to do. He was talking about money, but it just as well applies to the artistic nature of your images, starting with where you take the photo from, or in other words, your perspective.

Photo by Monroe Payne

First, get over the idea of standing up while you take the photograph. Go ahead, get uncomfortable. Squat down or lie down to get the Chihuahua's eye view of the roses. Get on a ladder and photograph a train from the Engineer's altitude. Your images will be remarkable, at least in part, because you did what NOBODY ELSE was willing to do - or at least they didn't think of it first.

Anyone can pick up a camera, aim it and release the shutter. You, however, are better than that.

Photo by Mindy Porter

When you choose another perspective, you are treating your viewer to a different point of view of a "thing". Children, in particular, really look great - and very different - when you photograph them at THEIR eye level. Take it another level down to cat's eye level. Charming little kitty becomes a predator, or a tiny puppy looks truly lost in the grass.

Now try moving up! Use a ladder! Take your photos from an upstairs window to get, again, that point of view that nobody else is willing to get. You might even climb up a lighthouse's stairs. Or a fire tower. Me? I'm trying to find a good used cherry picker - you know, like the cable companies use... I don't climb trees any more...

Another, slightly more difficult (and uncomfortable) perspective is "from the inside out".

Get inside a shrub, or closet, or for that matter, under a bed, and photograph "from the inside out". This is an exercise, folks. Play with it. Try all sorts of things, that involve a camera and discomfort, and you will be amazed.

Photo by Miles Lumbard

Photo by Richard Nagle

The next, and perhaps most uncomfortable thing to do is be patient. Eagles and Hummingbirds do NOT appear on request. Wait. Be patient. Be quiet. Your patience will be rewarded. Usually about 20 minutes AFTER you have decided that this is a stupid thing to do - but you decided to hang around for "just a couple minutes more..."

This June, I plan on being on the lake at 3AM to get a particular building illuminated by a bright full moon. Why? Because I have seen the image in my mind, and want to capture it. I will not be denied.

I promise, I will share the image as soon as I have it. You will be amazed.

Homework? Create an image from a unique perspective in your mind. Do whatever is necessary to make it real, and to capture it in your camera. Just remember, you MUST be uncomfortable when you take it. No pain, no art!

Next week, the secret of perfect focus.

All of the photos used are from IthacaStock.com contributors. Please visit their galleries on IthacaStock.com, Richard Nagle, Miles Lumbard, Mindy Porter and Monroe Payne

Also, please follow this blog for weekly tips, and by all means, visit our Facebook page, ithacastock.com.