We’ve already challenged you to get down low with your camera and create images while looking up. Now we’re asking you to take the opposite approach and find a high perspective from which to capture your images. It will give you a completely different view of your subjects while giving your viewers a little something unexpected as well!

Shooting from a high perspective is not all that common. So, we’ve put together a few tips with example images to get those gears of creativity turning.

Look for Patterns and Textures

Shooting from a high perspective flattens out objects because depth of field isn’t as noticeable from a high perspective. Without the details that indicate height and proportionality, it’s important to include patterns or textures in the shot to offer additional visual interest. This will make up for a lack of information about the height of objects in the frame. In the image above, the checkerboard pattern of the buildings’ facades and windows makes for a nice pattern. The linear arrangement of the yellow cabs provides a nice graphical element as well.

Take Advantage of Shadows

If you’re photographing a scene during the day, shadows can help bring added punch to the photo. As discussed above, the diminished depth of field means it’s hard for the eye to determine the height of objects when viewed from above. But as you can see in the image above, the shadows of the people walking in the square give our eyes something on which to base the size of each person. It makes for a nice contrast against the light colors and bright tones that are prevalent in the image as well.

Use Your Height to Get Group Shots

A high perspective is great for pictures of large groups. From eye level, people’s torsos and legs fill up a significant portion of the frame. There’s always the issue of varying heights to contend with as well. However, these are not obstacles when looking down from above. In fact, a high perspective shot will allow you to fit more people in the frame, making it ideal for very large groups.

Don’t Forget Daily Objects

Don’t feel like you need to climb the tallest building in town to get great shots from up high! Everyday objects in your house, your office, or simply on the ground can provide interesting elements for you to photograph from a high perspective. In fact, images of the mundane objects in our life might make for the most impactful photos because of the unusual perspective you get when photographing them from above.

Practice and Participate!

Today’s challenge is all about getting a bird’s eye view of people, places, and things. Looking for patterns and textures can help maintain a good level of interest in your shot, while incorporating some shadow play is an easy way to give some context to the size of objects in the scene. Capturing a photo of a group or everyday objects lying around the house can also result in an image that strikes viewers as interesting and creative when taken from above.

See what you can do with your camera from a high perspective! Get involved in the fun by uploading your image to share with your fellow Photography Talk members in the forum for today’s challenge. Like, comment, and share with each other and see what inspiration you can provide to other photographers.