Composition Technique - Viewpoint - Birds Eye view
Blog entry
2nd March
Have you used viewpoint, when taking a picture?
This blog relates to using viewpoint & is the first of two blogs on this composition technique
What is the viewpoint?
The composition called viewpoint is where you consider your position to the view or objects that you are taking a photograph of. Here are a few options to consider when relating to the viewpoint:
Bird-eye
High Angle
Eye-level Angle
Low Angle
Bird-eye view/PLAN VIEW
The term bird-eye view can also be referred to as a plan view or shoot from above.
A bird-eye view is an elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird and this can also link to aerial photography.
Look at this amazing photographer’s process for aerial photography.
Antoine Rose
Some of this photographer’s images - https://www.antoinerose.com/
Useful pages to look at on this subject:
The birds-eye viewpoint is used for other photography genres and a helicopter is not required. By moving with technology, this viewpoint has increased in its use for documenting environments or events, by using a drone. You can see that many wedding photographers are offering this service to clients as a great way to capture the day, event and crowds of guests.
For commercial photography, this type of composition is used to photograph both products and food. Here is a further list of the subjects, objects and landscapes that this form of photography is used for: Beach, City, Table, Desk, Car, Bed & Office.
Here are some examples of my own photographs taken from this viewpoint.
The reason for using this viewpoint in your photography is to capture all the key elements within your composition. The fact that the image has been taken from above shows further detail when shooting aerial photographs and this type of detail is something you will not always see from a lower angle of view. The latest trend in food photography is to shoot a photograph called a hero shot which is a photograph of a selection of different dishes placed on a table and shot from above.
Blog Summary: Have You Used Viewpoint When Taking a Picture?
This blog introduces the composition technique of "Viewpoint", focusing on how the position from which you capture a photo can dramatically impact the final image. It’s the first in a two-part series exploring this concept.
Focusing on Bird’s-Eye View
Offers a fresh perspective, revealing details not visible from ground level.
Popular in genres like aerial photography, wedding photography (using drones), and commercial photography for products and food (e.g., hero shots in food photography).
Can be achieved without a helicopter, drones and creative positioning work just as well.
The blog showcases examples from the author’s portfolio and highlights inspiring works from photographers like Antoine Rose.
Explore More:
Next Blog Preview: The second part will dive deeper into other viewpoint techniques to enhance your photography composition.
Ready to Elevate Your Photography?
Why not experiment with the bird’s-eye view and see how it transforms your photos? Whether you’re shooting landscapes, food, or special events, changing your viewpoint can unlock a whole new creative perspective.
Try It Out: Grab your camera or even your smartphone and capture something from above.
Share Your Shots: I’d love to see your results! Tag me or drop your photos in the comments.
Stay Inspired: Don’t miss the next blog where we’ll explore more viewpoint techniques to take your compositions to the next level.
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