Throughout the years, I have learned a lot about life through photography - one of these lessons is about perspective.
Whether in life or behind the lens, your perspective on a topic determines what you see, how you feel and react, and how you share that topic with others. The key is finding the right perspective for each shot, or life situation. People approach the same situation differently, depending on their perspective. Some people are very attached to their view, while others can adapt and see the situation from different angles, or perspectives.
“It takes a lot of imagination to be a good photographer...[I]n photography everything is so ordinary; it takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the extraordinary.”
– David Bailey
In photography, perspective relates to the depth, order, layout, and relationship between objects in an image. Changing your perspective can create an entirely new image and overall feeling, as objects line up differently, lighting changes, new backgrounds emerge, and previously hidden features are shown. As in life, it is important for photographers to be able to see the entire landscape and all the options that are available.
Good photographers are able to see that entire landscape and find the best perspective for that situation. Whether it means physically moving to create a different perspective to experiment and test, or by being able to successfully imagine what a new perspective could look like, knowing and seeing all of the options is the only way to find the best perspective and get the best shot.
Perspective is sometimes a fickle beast. Finding the right view, behind the lens or in life, helps create an image that tells the right story. The image below is one of my favorites that shows how a difference in perspective can really change how you see a situation. Enjoy - and I hope that you can find the best view and perspective throughout your days!
Cheers!
Josh
This is one my favorites that made the rounds on the internet.
What do you see?
Do you see a girl with very thin legs?
Look again...
How about a girl holding a bag of popcorn?
