As Canadian author Keri Smith wrote, “Creativity arises from our ability to see things from many different angles.” And never is that more true than when we’re talking about expressing our creativity through photography.

Scrapbooking is all about combining photos, words, and beautiful embellishments to create a lasting chronicle of our lives, so here at the Sweet Shoppe, we’re dedicating some time each month to focus on the first of those three ingredients: our photographs.

This month, we’re talking about angles – as in, the angle we use to compose our photograph – as we look at high versus low photo angles.

What is High vs Low Angle Photography?

A high angle shot in photography is one where the camera is positioned above the subject and angled down towards them. This can either be directly above looking down (known as a “birds eye view”) or simply angled from a vantage point that’s higher than the subject.

A low angle shot is one where the camera is positioned below the subject and angled up towards them.

What is the role of High vs Low Angle Photography in visual storytelling?

The angle from which you shoot a photograph can change the connection between the viewer and the subject. The same subject shot from a different angle can convey a different emotion. It’s worth being aware of these differences as a visual storyteller and experimenting with the angles of your photography to help capture and convey the message you want to share.

High angle shots

High angle shots do a good job of capturing not only your subject but their environment. Consider using a high angle when you want to capture the whole scene or emphasize how small your subject is in comparison to their environment.

High angle shots can create a sense of vulnerability with the subject as the viewer is higher or larger than they are. Consider this when you want to emphasize your subject’s fragility.

High angle shots can add definition to a person’s features and create a slimming effect, especially in elongating the neck and eliminating the look of a double chin.

“This angle is particularly effective in storytelling, as it can portray a character’s insignificance in a larger environment. For example, in many war films, filmmakers employ high angle shots to depict soldiers amidst vast landscapes, amplifying their vulnerability.” source: https://lensviewing.com/high-vs-low-angle-camera-photo/

Low angle shots

Low angle shots can manipulate the viewer’s perception of the subject by making it seem taller, larger, or more imposing than it actually is.

Low angle shots combined with a wide angle lens can make an environment look vast and grand.

Low angle shots can be a great way to emphasize scale, particularly differences in height.

Low angle shots are often more emotionally intimate.

“Sports photography also frequently employs low angles to highlight the athleticism and prowess of athletes, making them appear larger than life. An example is the iconic image of a basketball player making a dunk, which is often taken from a low angle to enhance the action’s impact.” source: https://lensviewing.com/high-vs-low-angle-camera-photo/

High angle versus low angle in visual storytelling

Over the past two decades using my camera to record my family’s stories, I’ve found the angle of my shot makes a huge difference is whose story I’m telling. When I shoot from a high angle, I’m recording and sharing my experience of the subject. But when I shoot from a low angle, I’m able to tap into my subject’s experience.

Example #1: My aging dog

For example, shooting a photograph of my aging dog from a high angle captures my experience of seeing her constantly under foot and of the changes I’m noticing in her body as she’s become more frail.

But when I get down low and photograph her, suddenly I’m telling the story of the world seen from her eyes (or, eye, singular, in the case of my sweet Maggie). These photos capture how much she loves her bed and how she’s constantly carrying a stuffed critter around, hoping for someone to play fetch with her. It totally changes not only the emotion but the story being told by the image.

Example #2: A boy and his bouncy ball

My grandson is obsessed with these high-bounce rubber balls we have at our house. It’s nearly always the first thing he asks for when he walks through the door. Shot from a high angle, I can capture my experience of seeing him with this silly rubber ball.

But when I get down on the floor and re-frame the shot, I’m suddenly capturing his experience of playing with the rubber ball. Of the excitement he feels, of the magic of seeing it bounce SO HIGH above his head … of his pure joy.

What do you need to shoot high vs low angle photography?

All you need is a camera – any camera – and the ability to get higher or lower than your subject. Sometimes this might mean climbing on a chair or a stepstool (be safe and get a spotter if you’re going much higher than a step or two!) or it may mean crouching or lying on the ground. (Hint: Use a padded mat like the ones designed for standing desks or work areas in the kitchen to prevent sore knees.)

Resources, tips, and tricks for shooting high vs low angle photography

There’s lots of fantastic free resources online to learn more about camera angles in photography. Here are just a few:

https://lensviewing.com/high-vs-low-angle-camera-photo/
https://photovideocreative.com/en/camera-angle-and-your-emotions-how-high-and-low-camera-angle-influence-your-photo/
https://greatbigphotographyworld.com/camera-shots-and-angles/
https://digital-photography-school.com/make-photos-creative-using-camera-angles/
https://medium.com/@kylexbiggs/high-angles-vs-low-angles-whats-the-difference-57a2b3df5cab

A little more inspiration

Here’s a few more images from the cameras of our Sugar Babes to inspire the height of your shooting angle in your photography:

Now it’s your turn.

This month, we challenge you to shoot an image of your subject from a high angle and then re-compose and shoot the same subject from a low angle. Then consider these questions: Which of these images does a better job of conveying the story you’re trying to tell? How does shooting the image from a high angle versus changing it to a low angle alter the emotion of the scene and the connection between the viewer and your subject?

When you’ve shot and edited your photographs, share them with us in our new Photo Challenge Gallery – because we can’t wait to see the stories you tell with your photography this month. We may even choose a favorite or two to win a sweet treat!