5 Ways to Create Stunning Photos Using New Angles

On my second visit to Osaka Castle in Japan, I photographed it from a different perspective, so it’s framed by Sakura blooms.

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” –Jonathan Swift

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at also change. This is true in life and especially true in photography. Allow two or more photographers to photograph the same scene, and the resulting images can often be remarkably different.

When running a photography tour, I love to see the participants set up to take their photos of the same subject matter. How they edit their images also has a significant effect. Each photographer is inspired by past experiences, influences, equipment choices and many other factors.

I often like to find a perspective that is not the obvious framing or viewpoint when making a composition of a scene that has been photographed countless times before. While this doesn’t always succeed, the result can be a truly unique image.

I learned to do this because I often had no choice. Many popular travel sites are crowded or have that one accessible area where most photographers want to place themselves to capture their shots. This makes it challenging or uncomfortable to set up for your attempt.

By looking for an alternative way to photograph the scene, I challenge myself to be more innovative, and that’s always a good creative exercise.

Here are five ways I challenge myself to get memorable photos by shooting them from a new angle or perspective.

#1 Photograph From Ground Level

This works exceptionally well with wide-angle lenses.

#2 Photograph From Above

This one can be more difficult if there aren’t tall buildings, hills or other high vantage points nearby where you can set up.

#3 Try A Drone

When permitted, drones can offer incredibly distinctive viewpoints.

#4 Frame Your Shot

Frame your shot through a window, tree, archway, someone’s legs, curtains, etcetera.

#5 Use Creative Cropping

Don’t be afraid to experiment with unusual ways of cropping your photos during post-processing.

The image I made on my first visit to Osaka Castle in Japan.

The spectacular Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most beautiful historical sites. Every spring, the surrounding grounds offer photographers the chance to capture the castle during the brief period when the Sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom.

The first time I photographed this stunning location (above), I had limited time to set up and get a shot during blue hour since access was closed off until just after sunset. A few years later, I knew that I wanted a fresh perspective on this familiar place when I could access the same site.

Fortunately for me, the aromatic cherry trees that adorn the grounds of the Osaka Castle were once again in magnificent full bloom. This allowed me to stand just a few meters away from the spot where I had captured the original image for a new composition with a unique twist. (See photo at the top of this story.)

I’m now looking forward to returning to Osaka for another attempt at capturing the castle with new eyes and a fresh outlook.

See more of Ken Kaminesky’s work at www.kenkaminesky.com.