Vantage point photography

Discover the world through unique vantage points...

What is vantage point in photography?

In photography, a vantage point refers to the exact location from where a picture is clicked - like you could be crouching low on the ground to capture a worm's-eye view of a sunflower towering above or comfortably sitting in a helicopter getting a clear aerial shot of a pastoral landscape.

Your selection of the vantage point can majorly influence a photo's aesthetic, emotional presence, angles, composition, and even the story it tells.

Imagine you're a bird perched on a tall tree, looking down onto a bustling city market filled with people. You see the hustle and bustle of people from a different angle than a person walking through the crowd- that's your vantage point. It's your special position or perspective from where you're viewing the scenario.

For example, let's say you're trying to photograph a runner. If you choose an eye-level vantage point, it will give a very straightforward, truthful representation of the runner in his environment, creating a simple yet honest story.

High vs. low vantage point photography

Alternatively, switching to a high or low vantage point drastically changes the ambiance and arrangement of elements within the picture, and hence, the story, it could either highlight or downplay specific elements in the frame.

Low vantage point photography

Low vantage point photography captures a subject from a position close to the ground, creating a sense of power or grandeur while emphasizing height and dramatic presence.

Take, for instance, a low vantage point that might emphasize the runner's tall and impressive body structure and create a sense of power and determination.

High vantage point photography

High vantage point photography captures a subject from an elevated angle which provides a broader, more expansive view of your scene which can diminish the scale of your subject but add more context to the composition.

On the other hand, a high-angle shot might downplay the runner’s imposing figure, instead, emphasize a lonely long road ahead, creating a sense of challenge and determination.

You can imagine the vantage point as a stage director, deciding where and how to place the components in a scene for maximum impact. It's like cooking a meal—the same ingredients can make different dishes depending on how you combine and present them.

Another point to consider here is that the advent of cutting-edge technology like drones has made achieving high-altitude vantage points easier, creating new opportunities to capture stunning aerial shots that were once challenging.

Imagine capturing sweeping lush green landscapes or complex city architecture from above - it feels like opening a new dimension to an otherwise familiar scenery. But remember, choosing the right vantage point is not all about glory. It can also represent a metaphorical standpoint, reflecting how, as individuals, we assess situations. Just like the lens of a camera, we, too, perceive life from different angles.

The selection of vantage points in photography thus reflects life in a beautiful way, where our stance can make the picture (or the situation) either impressive or lackluster.

How can a vantage point enhance your photography?

You see, the vantage point in photography is analogous to your unique lens on life. It is your particular perspective or angle from which you capture a shot. Whether you're crouched at ground level, capturing flowers from a eye view, or you're on top of a skyscraper overlooking a cityscape, your vantage points are instrumental in creating an impactful photo.

Vantage points are like the spices in a gourmet meal. They profoundly influence the aesthetic and emotional feel of your shots, much like seasonings transform a dish's flavor.

Aside from that, your chosen vantage points can also lend a manipulative hand in the perception of scale in your photos, much like how a filmmaker manipulates a scene with lights and shadows.

4 Types of vantage points in photography

Well, vantage points are pretty much about the specific location from where you're capturing a shot.

It all boils down to your perspective; think of it as standing at different points on a stage during a concert. From each spot, you see a different view of the crowd.

1. Straight vantage point

Some vantage points are as straightforward as eye level/even level.

This is the type you'd get when you're standing straight and holding up your camera – it's uncomplicated and conveys a sense of forthrightness, almost like having a face-to-face conversation with your subjects.

It's the type of shot you take when you want to show a scene as it is, without any added magic or mystery. You control what's included or excluded from the story.

2. Low vantage point

Then there comes the low vantage point.

The lower you go with your camera, the more dramatic and monumental your subjects start to look. It's like how ants see the world if you will. Everything above looms large, making the subjects appear more grandiose.

3. High vantage point

On the other end of the spectrum, you have high vantage points.

Picture how you view the world from the top of a building or even on a tree. Everything looks small, arranged like tiny toys, leading to a diminishing perspective. It can give your viewers a sense of overview, clarity, or distance.

And thanks to new technology, like drones, we've got even greater access to these soaring views that were once reserved for birds and helicopters.

4. Unusual vantage point

Besides these, there are also unusual vantage points, ones that let you see your subject in a dramatically new way.

It involves finding that clever, obscure spot, like peeping through a keyhole or capturing a reflection in a puddle – this adds a layer of intrigue to your photography, tickling the viewer's curiosity.

How to use vantage points in photography?

How to use vantage points to tell a story in your photos?

That's an excellent question and something that every budding photographer should experiment with. Let's delve into the possibilities and the potential impact it has in your photography.

1. Experiment with angles

The first tip for using vantage points in photography is to experiment with your angles.

Don't settle for eye-level shots, try shooting from different angles such as high above, low to ground, side angles, diagonal angles, and from reflections! There are endless possibilities when it comes to angles; experiment with them all and see which ones you like!

Of course, if you are taking professional photos for someone, you may want to stick to the "safer" angles, such as the eye-level shots and those slight angle variations.

2. Foreground and background

The second tip for using vantage points in photography is to use foreground elements.

You'll want to use foreground elements to add depth and context to your images. My favorite way to do this is to find leading line elements or frames within a frame element, as those usually act as foreground elements as well.

For example, a winding path, a row of trees, or a fence running across the frame are great elements to introduce into your image to help better tell a story from your vantage point.

3. Wide vs. Close-up

The third tip for using vantage points in photography is considering wide and close-up shots. Varying your vantage points between wide shots and close-ups is a powerful storytelling tool.

With wide shots, you can provide a broad view of the environment. These types of shots set the stage and give viewers a sense of the overall context. Wide shots capture location settings, atmosphere and mood, and action and interaction.

With close-up shots, you can focus on specific subjects or elements within your scene. Close-up shots capture emotion and expression, story highlights, and textures and details.

4. Embrace unconventional vantage points

The fourth tip for using vantage points in photography is to embrace unconventional vantage points.

You must remember that sometimes, some of the most captivating shots come from thinking outside the box. By breaking away from traditional perspectives, you can uncover new ways of seeing the world around you.

Some of my favorite unconventional vantage points include ground-level shots, shooting through objects and reflections, and shooting through different materials!

5. Context and scale

The fifth tip for using vantage points in photography is to remember your context and scale.

The beauty of vantage points is that they can better help convey scale and context. For example, placing a smaller subject against a grand backdrop can emphasize its size or importance.

The key to effectively conveying context and scale is to position your subject in relation to its surroundings strategically. Consider the story you want to tell and how to use scale to enhance that narrative.

6. Consider lighting

The sixth tip for using vantage points in photography is to consider your lighting.

The vantage point you choose can influence how light falls on your subject. Light is a fundamental element that can drastically transform the mood, depth, and overall impact of your photographs.

When choosing a vantage point, I like to consider different lighting elements such as time of day (whether it's Golden Hour or Blue Hour), directional light, soft light vs harsh light, shadows and texture, and silhouettes.

All of these different lighting elements can help influence the mood and story you are trying to tell within your image, and the vantage point you choose greatly influences how the lighting envelopes the scene.

7. People and action

The seventh tip for using vantage points in photography is to consider the people and action.

Shooting from a vantage point that is higher or lower than your subject(s) can introduce drama and dynamism to action shots or scenes with people in them. For example, shooting from a higher vantage point can add drama and make an action scene more compelling because it allows you to capture the full range of movement.

Another example is shooting from a lower vantage point and perspective, which can make your subject look larger and more powerful. This is especially effective if you want to capture a portrait that exudes confidence and strength.

Combining these different vantage points and manipulating aperture, shutter speed, and ISO can yield some creative effects.

For example, shooting from a lower vantage point and then using a slower shutter speed can create a cool-looking motion blur effect that you can use to convey a sense of speed and action.

All in all, with these tips, it's just important to remember that it's all about finding the angle that best captures the energy and narrative you want to convey in your photographs.

What are some examples of effective vantage points in famous photographs?

Let's delve into some examples of effective vantage points in famous photographs.

V-J Day in Times Square

Recall Alfred Eisenstaedt's iconic image, "V-J Day in Times Square". Eisenstaedt skillfully used a eye-level vantage point to give the viewers a sense of being there, a kind of first-hand experience, as would be felt when walking in the crowd and seeing this couple.

Moon and Half Dome

Remember Ansel Adams' "Moon and Half Dome"? The stunning portrayal of Yosemite's Half Dome peak, with the moon floating in a clear sky, is a perfect example of shooting from a low vantage point. This perspective made the dome look more grandeur and majestic. It illustrates how the alteration in vantage points can drastically transform the perception of scale in a photograph.

Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston

Then we have the famous image of Muhammad Ali towering over the defeated Sonny Liston in 1965 taken by Neil Leifer. This photo demonstrates a low vantage point capturing the dominant and towering figure of Muhammad Ali

For a more contemporary example, Google the aerial shots of the Hong Kong protests in 2019. These shots, taken from drones, offer high vantage points that capture the sheer magnitude of the protests. It's like watching an ant colony from a high tree branch, with all the tiny dots creating intricate patterns. This showcases the revolutionary impact of drone technology in accessing high vantage points, revealing new patterns and narratives in photography.

How to identify a good vantage point for your shots?

How do you identify a good vantage point for your shots? That's a great question, my friend.

1. Understand your scene

Identifying a good vantage point involves an in-depth understanding of your scene and how different perspectives can modify its aesthetic and emotional output. Now, imagine you're standing in front of your favorite building.

You could stand on ground level and capture the imposing height of the structure. That's a vantage point. It would bring out the building's majesty and magnitude. Imagine you're a rabbit just looking up at a colossal structure. That's the emotion your viewers might experience.

Or, you could go on top of another building across the street and get a bird's eye view. That's another vantage point. From this height, the same building appears less imposing, and you get a broader picture of its surroundings. It's like being a bird soaring above the cityscape, providing a sense of freedom and expansiveness to your viewers.

2. Manipulate the perception of scale

Another critical aspect to consider while finding a good vantage point is how it can manipulate the perception of scale and details in a photograph. For example, if you photograph a group of people from a high vantage point, they would appear smaller and emphasize the vastness of a location like a sprawling city park or a picturesque beach.

Technological advancements like drones have made this process a bit easier. Just like an eagle that sees the whole landscape from a higher viewpoint, drones can get you high-altitude views that unveil new patterns like a neatly laid out vineyard or the symmetry of city roads, which is not evident from a ground-level perspective.

You see, the success of a photograph significantly relies on where it is clicked from.

So to figure out the best vantage point, don't just stay rooted in one spot. Instead, walk around, climb up, embrace the dirt, test out different angles and positions within the scene. Be the storyteller who isn't scared to explore and underline the best narrative your image can tell.

It's the same as trying on different outfits until you find the perfect one that best defines your style and personality.

How can vantage points impact the composition of your photos?

Your vantage point is a pivotal component because everything from the angle, arrangement, and story that your picture tells revolves around it.

It's akin to rearranging furniture in a room to create a new look and feel.

What is the relation between vantage point and perspective in photography?

What is the relation between vantage point and perspective in photography?

Imagine this: you're on top of a skyscraper; below, the city hustles and bustles, and people scurry about like ants. From your vantage point, you capture the photograph. This high-angle perspective showcases the grandeur of the city, tremendously small figures against a backdrop of towering structures.

In other words, your vantage point—on top of the skyscraper—essentially shapes your perspective, i.e., how the city is visually represented in your photo.

Without the chef's special touch and creative choice of ingredients, the recipe will lose its charm. Analogously, the impact of perspective in a photo heavily relies on the choice of vantage point.

The intriguing interplay of vantage point and perspective reminds us that in photography, there are no rules set in stone. Each shot is an experiment, a new narrative.

So, you see, the vantage point you choose can significantly impact your photograph, making it either mundane or mesmerizing, akin to topping a pizza with just cheese versus an assortment of colorful and delicious toppings. A unique angle can bring out the unforeseen beauty in what might otherwise seem ordinary."

In conclusion, remember, photography isn't merely about pressing the shutter; it's your vantage point that spins the narrative. Always remember to explore different angles and push boundaries in your search for that unique perspective.