I know I've left comments on many shots I scored a 4 or 5 that the angle is too dead-on. Many times people have good idea for visually interesting subjects, but then put the camera right in front and snap away.
Here's an example of a subject that would've been pretty enough straight on, but not that exciting, whereas it really has a lot of zing because of the angle:
Anyone else care to offer examples? Direct comparisons of straight vs. not would be good, too, if you have them.
Photos are two dimensional things. The composition of the photo gives an object an illusion of three dimensions.
Yes, the original object is three dimensional, but that perception can be lost when taking a photo dead on. I personally like the shots where things are NOT shot straight on. Adding alot of depth is a biggie for me when voting.
Can shooting at 'an angle' add depth, excitement, etc to a shot? Yes, I totally agree.
Is a 'straight on' shot auomatically bad, or automatically would be better at an angle? I most definitely do NOT agree. :-)
Just like for example, the 'rule of thirds', it can be broken and make for great photos. It all just depends on the image.
Same subject. Different angles. To me, they both work, for different reasons. The angled shot, yes adds some dimension, some mood or drama if you will. But the straight on shot plays to the shape and symmetry of the subject.
It concerns me when I think of the fact that voters may have a set standard where for example, any shot that isn't composed based on thirds just automatically won't get a high vote. Personally, when I encounter images that 'break the rules', I like to take an even closer examination, and see if the photog broke 'em and made it work. And I am usually quite delighted when it does. :-)
edit- cause I'm a honyak and put in the wrong id num. :-)
it is just too easy to pull the camera up to your eye and shoot straight on. on the other hand, if you are willing to work and experiment (or go so far as to throw yourself on the ground...), you can probably find some pretty interesting perspectives that will add a lot more energy and dynamics to your images.
Is a 'straight on' shot auomatically bad, or automatically would be better at an angle? I most definitely do NOT agree. :-)
I agree 100%, and I apologize for not being clearer.
I just wanted to give some examples to people who've received comments about the straight-on nature of their shots.
Like all comments, the recipient should apply their own likes and dislikes. Whether many people or few would agree with it, it's the photographer's own opinion that matters for their own future efforts.
I dunno, I mostly hear the exact opposite when I use a different angle and a "non straight one", like this one, got plenty of comments on how people liked it being slanted and I don´t remember one when someone said they didn´t like it.
I dunno, I mostly hear the exact opposite when I use a different angle and a "non straight one", like this one, got plenty of comments on how people liked it being slanted and I don´t remember one when someone said they didn´t like it.
Interesting. I got several comments on this one both liking and not liking the tilt. I tend to like tilts - makes dramatic shots more so.
But that's a different issue anyway from point of view (e.g., low down vs. straight-on).
Most people who commented found the tilt added to the picture. Personally I like tilted photos, like Larus' one, where they straighten the subject, or when a lot of perspective is involved, like in Jeffrey's picture.
