To take a photo from above, you need to get your camera in a position looking down at your subject. This can involve finding ways to elevate yourself or your camera, and using specific photographic techniques. Here are some methods, incorporating tips from the reference provided:
Getting the Right Perspective
1. Get Up High
- This is the most fundamental step. Find ways to position yourself above your subject. This might involve:
- Standing on a chair, ladder, or balcony.
- Using a drone to capture aerial perspectives.
- Finding an elevated area like a hill or bridge.
2. Choosing the Right Lens
* **Attach a wide-angle lens**: Wide-angle lenses are excellent for overhead shots because they capture more of the scene. This is useful when shooting large groups of people, landscapes, or objects spread out over a wide area.Camera Settings & Composition
3. Focus on the Topmost Feature
* When taking an overhead photo, focus on the highest point within your frame to make sure the main subject is sharp, especially when shooting things that are not on a flat surface.4. Close Down Your Aperture
* Use a narrow aperture (a higher f-number like f/8, f/11, or f/16) to ensure that your entire scene is in focus. This is especially important when shooting from above because objects in the scene may be at varying distances from your camera.5. Adopt a Parental Perspective
* Embrace the idea of seeing things as if you're looking down on a scene from a place of safety, like a parent looking after a child. This helps you to see how subjects interact in the photo.6. Tilt Up
* Sometimes tilting your camera upwards, while positioned directly overhead, can bring a dynamic edge to the picture by creating leading lines.7. Square Off
* When taking overhead shots, make sure that the frame is square and centered on the object. This helps make the image look well-composed.8. Simplify a Busy Environment
* Overhead shots can be cluttered. Try to simplify the scene. Think of how you can change things around to create a more aesthetically pleasing photo.Summary
Here's a table summarizing the key steps for capturing overhead photos:
| Step | Technique | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Elevate | Get physically higher than your subject. | Achieves the basic overhead perspective. |
| Wide Lens | Use a wide-angle lens. | Captures a larger area, especially useful for big scenes. |
| Focus Top | Focus on highest points. | Keeps the main subjects sharp |
| Narrow Aperture | Use a higher f-number (f/8 or higher). | Ensures focus throughout the scene. |
| Parental View | See how the scene works together | Helps you to see the interaction in your frame |
| Tilt Camera | Tilt camera up slightly | Creates a dynamic image |
| Square Up | Frame and center the shot | Creates a well-composed picture |
| Simplify | Simplify clutter | Makes the photo easier to understand |
By using these steps, you can take effective overhead photographs. Remember to think about your composition, lighting, and the story you want to tell with your picture.
