The Photographer's Perspective

Photography is all about perspective.

It's not what you see, but how you see it. Perspective is what separates the good photographers from the great ones. A great photographer's work should show you the world from his or her point of view, which should be somewhat original and unique.

Recently, my wife and I went on vacation with her family to north Georgia, and while there we visited Amicolola Falls (http://www.amicalolafalls.com/). The 729 foot falls are a photographer's dream for beautiful landscape photography; however 99% of the photographs that I have seen are exactly the same. They have all been taken straight on looking up at the falls from the wooden observation deck. I know this because, while there, I was able to replicate the exact shot that is shown in the brochures.

While this may be a beautiful picture, does this really represent you? How could this shot be taken differently? These are the questions that a good photographer will ask in order to get a signature shot.

Personally, I shot from the trail and framed the falls with leaves out of focus in the foreground and the falls in focus in the background. This gives the picture an intimate, secluded feel. I shot the same waterfalls with a twist that makes it my own. Framing is also something of a signature style for me, so it fit very well.

A beautiful shot makes a nice picture, but a beautiful shot that is unique and easily identified as your own is the artistic touch that sets you apart from everyone else. Next time you find yourself peering through the viewfinder, think about the shot that you are about to take. Is it standard? What makes it standard? How can I change this shot to make it unique and an expression of my style? Think before you shoot.

Don't have a unique perspective or style? I highly recommend looking for one. I look through other photographer's work (old and new), watch movies, travel to new places, and talk to people. I am constantly saying, "That would make an awesome picture." Just this past weekend a friend called me a nerd for saying this, but I don't mind. Photography is the way I see things; my perspective on life, and if that makes me a nerd, then I'm OK with that.

Happy shooting!