A couple of weeks ago I was interviewed briefly for the Wedding Photojournalist Association's WedPix Magazine for an article on angles. Here's the link to the complete and finished article by Meghan McEwen:
Link
And here is the original draft of the basics for the article before it was finialized and merged with the other two contributing photoraphers, Melissa Mermin and Dave Robbins.
Corey McNabb on:
Working the Angles:
Three of our accomplished members share their techniques and real-world experiences on using architecture, geography, positioning and pure creativity to get unique shots and capture memorable moments.
Using geography and architecture can help photos in a number of ways. For example, by adding elements of interest, by enhancing the subject or creating interesting backgrounds, or by offering unique and varied heights from which to shoot or position your subject. I’m always looking for a unique perspective. I try to shoot from as many vantage points and differing heights as possible during an event.
By positioning myself or my subject in a certain location, sometimes only slightly different than the norm, I can produce wonderful imagery that’s different than what the client is expecting. Finding ways to shoot down on the subject, or up towards them, can help create interesting backgrounds that both isolate the subject and enhance the quality of the image. By just moving slightly to the side, or up, or down, I can find backgrounds that not only no longer distract from the image, but compliment it in such a way that truly hold the viewer’s attention. Shooting from a different angle can also create a really nice image that otherwise might have been ruined by a distracting background.
Similarly, interesting angles and colors within a photograph can be created by finding unique geographic and architectural elements. Not only useful for positioning, balconies, stairways, rocks and the like can be beautiful additions to the photo. Finding certain angles and elements to include inside the photograph can make the difference between a normal image and a great one.
Even when architectural or geographical elements are not available, shooting from a different perspective can really bring a unique feel to an image. By shooting from my highest reach to grabbing a shot from the hip, I can produce images that are unexpected that my clients love. While shooting once in a rather mundane hotel room, I decided to lie on the floor and shoot up at the bridal party toasting….by creating this unique perspective, not only did I produce a favorite image of the client’s and mine, but also a WPJA contest-winning photo. (see attached black and white image of the toast)
Angles can also be created by not following the “straight horizon line” rule. I realized early on in my career that for some reason, even when making an effort, I have difficulty taking a shot with a level horizon, so I embraced this trait and began tilting and rotating the camera to create fun and exciting angles and lines within the image that clients love.
With the world full of people, every one of whom is walking around daily with a pair of 50mm lenses about 6 ft. off the ground (their eyes!), finding interesting angles and elements that are a departure from the norm will ensure my clients will be thrilled with their imagery.
Link
And here is the original draft of the basics for the article before it was finialized and merged with the other two contributing photoraphers, Melissa Mermin and Dave Robbins.
Corey McNabb on:
Working the Angles:
Three of our accomplished members share their techniques and real-world experiences on using architecture, geography, positioning and pure creativity to get unique shots and capture memorable moments.
Using geography and architecture can help photos in a number of ways. For example, by adding elements of interest, by enhancing the subject or creating interesting backgrounds, or by offering unique and varied heights from which to shoot or position your subject. I’m always looking for a unique perspective. I try to shoot from as many vantage points and differing heights as possible during an event.
By positioning myself or my subject in a certain location, sometimes only slightly different than the norm, I can produce wonderful imagery that’s different than what the client is expecting. Finding ways to shoot down on the subject, or up towards them, can help create interesting backgrounds that both isolate the subject and enhance the quality of the image. By just moving slightly to the side, or up, or down, I can find backgrounds that not only no longer distract from the image, but compliment it in such a way that truly hold the viewer’s attention. Shooting from a different angle can also create a really nice image that otherwise might have been ruined by a distracting background.
Similarly, interesting angles and colors within a photograph can be created by finding unique geographic and architectural elements. Not only useful for positioning, balconies, stairways, rocks and the like can be beautiful additions to the photo. Finding certain angles and elements to include inside the photograph can make the difference between a normal image and a great one.
Even when architectural or geographical elements are not available, shooting from a different perspective can really bring a unique feel to an image. By shooting from my highest reach to grabbing a shot from the hip, I can produce images that are unexpected that my clients love. While shooting once in a rather mundane hotel room, I decided to lie on the floor and shoot up at the bridal party toasting….by creating this unique perspective, not only did I produce a favorite image of the client’s and mine, but also a WPJA contest-winning photo. (see attached black and white image of the toast)
Angles can also be created by not following the “straight horizon line” rule. I realized early on in my career that for some reason, even when making an effort, I have difficulty taking a shot with a level horizon, so I embraced this trait and began tilting and rotating the camera to create fun and exciting angles and lines within the image that clients love.
With the world full of people, every one of whom is walking around daily with a pair of 50mm lenses about 6 ft. off the ground (their eyes!), finding interesting angles and elements that are a departure from the norm will ensure my clients will be thrilled with their imagery.
posted by Corey McNabb at 8:52 PM
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