High angle photography is a technique used by photographers to capture stunning aerial shots. This technique involves taking photographs from a higher vantage point, such as from the top of a building or a hill. High angle photography provides a unique perspective and can add an element of drama to your images. In a previous article, we gave you drone photography tips, and in this one, we will share tips on how to capture stunning high angle photographs.
The following images were submitted by the award winning wedding photographers of Wedding Maps for the feature challenge “From Above.”
Find Interesting Shapes and Frames in high angle photography
In high angle photography, photographers have an opportunity to find interesting shapes and frames to enhance the visual appeal of their shots. By shooting from a high angle, photographers have the opportunity to see and capture unique perspectives and showcase the beauty of various shapes and forms from above.
To achieve this, photographers should take their time to survey the scene from different angles and identify any shapes or patterns that catch their eye. They can then use their camera to frame these shapes in an interesting and visually pleasing way, using leading lines, frames within frames, and other compositional techniques to draw the viewer’s eye into the shot.
Photo by Jason Vinson (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Basketball court in Saint Louis MO USA
Capture Unique Angles and Moments
High angle photography provides photographers with a unique opportunity to capture moments and angles that are not always possible with traditional low angle shots.
Photographers should also be on the lookout for interesting moments that can be captured from a high angle, such as people in motion or the changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day.
Photo by Jeff Tisman (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, NJ
Photo by Stephen Sedman (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA
Photo by Bob Kniley (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Wintergarden in Rochester, NY USA
Capture Beautiful Scenery with High Angle Photography
High angle photography provides photographers with a unique opportunity to capture beautiful scenery from a fresh perspective. Look for ways to highlight the beauty of the landscape from above. This might involve using leading lines or geometric shapes to guide the viewer’s eye towards a particular point of interest, or framing the scenery in a way that emphasizes its natural beauty and unique features. See a few examples below.
Photo by Stephen Walker (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Malcesine Castle in Lake Garda Italy
Photo by Fits and Stops Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lands End Lookout in San Francisco, California United States of America
Photo by Jessie and Dallin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah USA
Photo by Andy Madea Photo (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Private Property, White Mountains, New Hampshire
Photo by Afonso Godinho (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) in Douro Portugal
Use Lying Down Poses in Your High Angle Photography
Lying down poses can be an effective technique to incorporate into high angle photography. By capturing a subject from above as they lie down, photographers can create unique and visually interesting images that showcase the subject in a new light.
Photographers should work with their subject to find the right pose that showcases their features and complements the overall composition of the shot. They can experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most visually appealing shot, using lighting and framing to create interest in the image. Lying down poses can be particularly effective for capturing portraits, as they allow the subject to relax and present themselves in a more natural and comfortable way.
Photo by Kristin Cheatwood (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lake Creek in Ketchum, Idaho USA
Photo by JCM Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Private home in Salisbury, North Carolina
Photo by Joanna and Brett (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Brighton Abbey in Aubrey, Texas United States
Find Unique Foreground Elements in High Angle Photography
When taking high angle photography, finding unique foreground elements can help add depth and create more dynamic compositions. This can include things like leaves, architectural elements, or rock formations. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most unique and captivating foreground elements for your composition.
Photo by Andreas Pollok (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Schloss Liebenstein in Baden Württemberg Germany
Photo by Party of Two (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, NC USA
Find Unique Perspectives for Photojournalism with High Angle Photography
High angle photography can be a powerful tool for photojournalists to find unique perspectives on events and capture compelling images that tell a story. By shooting from a high angle, photographers can showcase the scale and scope of an event, as well as the interactions between different individuals and groups. This can be especially effective for capturing the mood and emotion of a scene, as high angle shots can provide a bird’s-eye view of the action.
Photo by Stephen Walker (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Scarlet Hall in Cheshire, England
Photo by Kivus and Camera (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina United States
Photo by Stefani Ciotti (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Chapel Ana Villa in The Colony, TX USA
Photo by Gaetan Dardenne (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Church in Zaventem, Belgium
Photo by Danieka at Picturist Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Family Home in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Conclusion
High angle photography is a unique and exciting way to capture stunning aerial shots. By following these tips, you can take your photography to the next level and create beautiful images. Always remember to put safety first and obtain permission when shooting from high locations.
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