PHOTOGRAPHY

Life is all About Perspective

Changing your perspective changes your experience

Perspectives. It’s what makes the difference in life. Misunderstandings do happen because we all have different perspectives on things. But if we are open enough to look at things from a different angle, we might better understand the other person or culture.

The same counts for photography. If we always shoot from the same angle, we will only see the same things over and over. But if we change our perspective, once looking from above, once from below, and once from the side, we might suddenly see new things.

“Sometimes a change of perspective is all it takes to see the light.” — Dan Brown

Optical illusion

By going very close to an object one can make it appear much larger than it actually is. This effect can be used for various reasons and is surely a fun tool to play with when photographing the world.

In the picture below you can see how I got very close to a trickle. A trickle of water running down a dry riverbed in Namibia. Through the closeness to the camera lens, it almost appears to be a stream.

Only when you look at the rocks or boulders and the bridge in the background do you get an idea of the optical illusion being played on you.

Highlighting something small in front of something big

Another feature you can often see in my photography is the contrast between something small and something huge.

When we visited Africa’s largest canyon last year, we got excited seeing countless desert lilies growing at the rim of the Fish River Canyon. Those flowers, in such a desolate surrounding, appeared surreal.

Instead of just taking a wide-angle shot of the massive cliffs and steep walls of the canyon, I decided to capture something delicate in the same image. It shifts the focus on the image and gives it a different meaning.

Water. Water is life. Water can create something beautiful in the most desolate landscapes.

Bringing two objects in one shot

And here’s another one of objects in the foreground, a shift in focus of things, and a scene showing the power of nature.

Originally I wanted to capture our vehicle in the desert. On the desert road and in the landscapes we drove in for days. But however I placed myself in front of the vehicle, I wasn't happy with the image.

Until I went down on my knees and brought this little desert lily into the frame.

Now there were two objects to focus on. Both of them of interesting nature. One sharp, one blurred out. But both remain strong in the picture. And both get attention from the viewer.

Shifting the angle

I don't know if you've ever walked on broken soil. Like the kind of dried sand that curls up into crunchy tiles. Tiles made of nature that crack when you step on them. It’s such a lovely feeling walking on them. For me at least.

And I wanted to capture all the features of this cracked desert soil. Standing tall and looking down was one way to snap the picture. Going down on my knees and looking at it from below is another option.

Surely my favorite one.

Contrasting colors and shapes

Whenever photographing landscapes that include no more than two different colors or shapes, try to find something else to bring some life and vibration to the scene.

Flowers are always great for extra contrast and attraction in a picture.

Using the landscape as a wallpaper

Taking pictures of your food is something that got more popular in the last ten years. And while there is nothing wrong with taking close-up photographs of a great plate of food, there are different options to display a tasteful bite as well.

Including the landscape.

Whenever I’m trying to showcase a traditional meal or dish, I try to include as much of the surroundings as possible in order to give out the message of where this food belongs to.

And yes, sometimes the surrounding landscape can appear and act as a wallpaper.

Using extra tools for special reflections

Yes, windows and mirrors can be used to capture something you wouldn’t see otherwise from the angle you are standing. They can trick you. But they can also be beautiful features in your photographs.

A few months back I was running a photography prompt on the topic of reflections. Reflections can be found in a still lake or a puddle in the road. But reflections can be created as well.

I found a small mirror and placed it all around the garden trying to create certain images. Not so easy, but once you get the hang of it, it can be very fun.

Combining lots of tips and tricks

And once you’ve played around with all those tools and features, you can combine them as well. Placing objects in the foreground to highlight them while having a beautiful scenery as wallpaper in the background.

Well, and using wine to attract readers.

Who doesn’t like a glass of wine?

A glass of good wine!

A glass of my dad’s wine.

Final words

Photography is a passion of mine. I’m no expert or pro photographer but I just love taking pictures and experimenting with settings and objects. While almost all my photographs evolve in or around nature, I have tried myself in different topics before.

If you have any other tips and tricks I haven’t mentioned, feel free to share them in the comment section below. I’d love to hear what you focus on when you’re behind the lens.

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.” — Destin Sparks

More about nature photography:

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