Go high or low for more interesting photos
Go low or go high: That was the best piece of photography advice I received when I was a wet-behind-the-ears reporter-photographer. The grizzled editor (who was younger then me) explained that photos taken from standing level are boring – either get above the action or get below it.
Kneel down or try to get some height before taking a shot. Standing on a chair or lying on the floor or ground will add dimension and perspective to your photographs, making them far more interesting than a standard standing shot. Don’t be run-of-the-mill.
Getting down to the same level as children is a great way to make them the focal point of an image. It’s far more intimate than having your photos “look down” upon them. Invest in some knee pads and take photos on their level. Show the world from their perspective.
The above photo was shot as I was kneeling down. Had I been standing as the Kung Fu kids marched by, the track under their feet would have been distracting. Kneeling down, despite my damaged knee, paid off.
The flip side is getting above the action. Standing on a chair or ladder can add entire new dimensions to your images. Shooting portraits or sports from above can be lead to some extraordinary photos.
Don’t like a photo? Delete it and try again. Without having to worry about film you can experiment in any number of different ways.
