A Photographer's Point of View can have a large impact on our perception of an image. An interesting or unusual viewpoint can make and ordinary subject look extraordinary as we see it in a whole new way. For example, the subject may seem more aggressive, stronger, less intimidating, more dynamic, more frightening, more exciting, vulnerable, etc. depending on point of view.
To get ready for your documentary slide show or book, your next assignment will need to show a story and use POV and DOF. You will show the personality of your subject by highlighting an aspect of their personality in a background that suits them, or take the portrait in a way that highlights who they are.
For example: Someone feeling nervous about heights might photograph someone climbing up from above to show how small the people look against the rock wall. Someone who is more of a daredevil may show a biker biking from below so that they look more impressive and larger than life. Someone creative might be taken painting, with all their tools in the environment around them.
Point of View, DOF and the Portrait Photo Assignment:
Your Assignment:
Create a portrait for each example of the viewpoints listed below.
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Close-up (A small detail beyond what we normally see)
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Medium Shot (the subject fills or nearly fills the entire frame)
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Long Shot (the subject is shot from a distance, so subject is small and background and foreground are prominent)
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Bird's eye view (aerial shot, looking down on the subject from above)
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Worm's eye'view (looking up at the subject from below)
Questions/Reflections to answer for each portrait:
Compare this point of view with other possible points of view. How exactly does this close-up impact the viewer? What thoughts emotions senses are affected? How did your feeling about the subject influence how you photographed them? How did your life experiences influence your POV for each shot?
Answer thoughtfully and be specific. Complete the statements for each POV and answer in depth. Do not be vague.
Remember to use your understanding of Depth of Field to enhance your portrait.
Make sure at least one portrait has a small depth of field (less in focus or small f-stop number) and one with a large depth of field (more in focus or larger f-stop number).
Remember to consider center of interest and storytelling.
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First - Who or what is the most important part of the image and how can you highlight that? Is it the leaf or the dewdrops on the leaf? The boots or the railroad tracks? The height of the trees or the texture and age of the trees? What is the center of interest? Your main subject? You need to highlight this.
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Second - What is the mood of this photo going to be? What are you telling the viewer about this tree, leaf, shoe, person, etc.? What story can you tell? Is it full of life and joyful? Alone in the world? Beautiful and sweet? Useful? Patient and waiting? Kind? Happy?
Those of you who have been in class before, or who are more advanced, will be expected to add one element of Art and one principal of Design of your choice, to each photo.
This will also be the first photo that you title. Think about the message of your main subject. Your title can enhance that idea or detract from it. For instance, does 'Boardwalk' tell us about the photo and what the message is? And how differently would 'Bored Walk' as a title work for the image? Is 'Red Leaf' a good title? Or would 'Part of the Greater Whole' or 'The Color of Change' tell us more about the leaf and it's story? What other titles could you come up with that might tell us more about the story? Think about the boots on the train tracks. Would 'Boots on a Track' be a good title? What about 'These Boots Were Made for Walking?' What additional feeling or message can we get from a good title?
Photos should be neatly and squarely trimmed and mounted in the appropriate spaces provided.
