20
Find a high viewpoint

Changing the height and angle you shoot from is one of the easiest ways to dramatically alter how your subject appears in an image. We are used to seeing the world from our own eye level, so crouching down or taking a high vantage point changes our view of the world considerably. Try this with or without a camera and you will see how everyday subjects – people in particular – look totally different. Generally, it is most flattering to shoot a subject from slightly above, or level with, their eyeline. Unless you are trying to create a particular effect, avoid shooting from a position lower than the subject’s eye level.

RIO

This image of Rio was taken as part of her model portfolio. The aim was to create an unusual image with an extra dimension and so a very high viewpoint from the top of a wall was adopted. Rio’s bicycle made for an interesting prop and her pink t-shirt contrasts well with the grey tarmac. The overcast day gave a very diffuse and non-directional light, and positioning Rio close to a light-coloured wall bounced a soft light on to her face and body.

Canon EOS-1DS, 70–200mm f/2.8 lens, 1/500 sec at f/2.8, ISO 400.