It’s an unfortunate fact than many photographers routinely hold their camera at eye level and point it straight ahead. There’s nothing wrong with doing this, and nice images are often the result, but sometimes there’s a better way.
The theme of this quick tutorial is experimenting with different perspectives to capture images with a unique look. This approach doesn’t require any special gear, tricky camera settings, or the like, but rather looking at the world in a different way and composing photos accordingly.
This quick lesson from the Photography Course YouTube channel is episode #32 of a 52-week series designed to simplify basic photographic concepts so you can create a style all your own and make images that stand out from the crowd. By following today’s simple tips you’ll become a better photographer in less than five minutes.
Instructor Taya Iv says, “I’ll show you how to do this in a fun way, using practical real-world techniques.” While her goal is capturing eye-catching photos in the camera, she also provides a few image-editing tricks.
Put simply, perspective is all about conveying the relationship between different elements in a scene, and there’s more to this than simply shooting from a high or low vantage point. The simple methods you’ll learn are useful for a wide variety of subjects, and will help you create interesting photographic illusions.
Iv’s first tip is easy: Upon arriving at a location, before pulling out your camera, spend a few moments looking up and down—maybe even glancing side-to-side while carefully scrutinizing the scene. Chances are you’ll discover a more creative way to compose a shot than if you pointed the camera straight ahead.
Another impactful method is what Iv calls “change the rotation of your images.” This one is easily accomplished during the editing process and works with just about any software you use. She also demonstrates the benefits of shooting from ground level—a technique that’s also useful for capturing macro images and when photographing pets and little kids.
Iv has a couple other helpful tricks for switching up perspective, so take a close look and approach your next shoot with a new and more creative mindset. Chances are the response to your newfound method of composition will be an emphatic “wow!” After watching this video head over to Iv’s instructional YouTube channel where you’ll find previous episodes in this series and much more.
We also suggest you check out a recent tutorial we posted, explaining how to shoot better photos by avoiding five common mistakes.
Back in the early days of digital photography, a popular topic of discussion was the differences in image quality between film cameras and digital models. With that concern now settled, the issue of the day is an ongoing debate regarding the relative merits of full-frame vs. digital cameras.
The video below provides an interesting real-world comparison using print quality to draw conclusions. While the true quality of a print is pretty much impossible to evaluate by looking at 72dpi images online, we’re more than willing to accept the conclusions drawn by trusted instructor Ian Worth.
Worth is an accomplished pro who says he’s passionate about sharing the secrets to his success. What makes his comparison so intriguing is that it comes from the perspective of a landscape photographer who, like others of his ilk, considers image detail to be critically important.
In addition to comparing large prints made with sensors of both sizes, Worth also evaluates the images in Lightroom. So if you’re thinking about “moving up” to a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, this episode might help you make up your mind.
In this behind-the scenes lesson you’ll watch Worth photograph a stunning castle with two cameras. One is a full-frame Canon EOS R5, and the other is a crop-sensor Fujifilm X-H2. They’re both high-end models designed for professional photographers. He employs high-quality lenses of different focal lengths to shoot a variety of images.
Worth does everything possible to make this comparison a valid one. And whether he’s shooting with a long telephoto or a wide-angle lens, his cameras are securely locked down on a sturdy tripod.
While watching Worth work you’ll also pick up some solid tips on composition, camera settings, and exposure that will prove valuable regardless of the camera you use. So take a close look and see if you agree with his conclusions.
Be sure to visit Worth’s instructional YouTube channel, especially If outdoor photography is your thing, where you’ll find much more to learn.
And don’t miss the earlier tutorial we posted from another pro, explaining how to use your camera’s EV-Compensation feature for perfect exposures every time.
It’s completely understandable. You have camera equipment that you seldom use but you’re reluctant to trade or sell it because you have some legitimate concerns—despite the fact that you could trade your underused gear for photo items you really want or plain hard cash. Here’s some advice that can help you make an informed decision.
You’re shy about selling or trading because you believe that you won’t get much money in return. Or you’re afraid you’ll get ripped off altogether (which can happen if you take the online auction route and sell to a stranger.) Or maybe you’re convinced that trading or selling is just too big of a hassle.
Sell or trade with MPB and those concerns dissolve.
Here are seven reasons to rely on MPB.
1. MPB is the largest global platform to buy, sell and trade used photo and video gear. MPB has served more than 625,000 visual storytellers worldwide and they recirculate over 485,000 pieces of photo equipment every year.
2. MPB provides free instant quotes so you know what your gear is worth before you commit. And you can change your mind right up until the last moment.
3. MPB is highly reputable and has a 5-star rating on Trustpilot.
4. MPB pays for the shipment of your trade-in or sale item and after inspection deposits your payment directly to your bank account. No delays and no runaround. And as a matter of fact, MPB customers earn an average of $900 every time they sell to them.
5. MPB has a vast inventory of used cameras, lenses, video equipment and drones. If you’re looking to trade, they have an extensive selection to choose from. If you don’t see what you want, enter your email address to create an alert; MPB adds more and more gear every day.
6. MPB provides friendly expert help and support. MPB provides first-class customer service. Customers can receive support through our Help Center or by speaking directly with a gear expert.
7. Even if you have nothing to trade or sell, you should consider buying from MPB’s assortment of used photographer and filmmaker tools. Each item is individually photographed—the camera or lens you see in the listing is the one you receive, no “stock pictures.” Every item is inspected carefully by trained specialists. Every used camera body or lens includes a 6-month warranty.
Where to start?
Before you go to MPB’s website for an instant quote, take a moment to familiarize yourself with their condition rating system. Start by watching this MPB video.
As you’ll see, MPB uses five condition ratings. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which one to choose—they check over your gear to confirm its condition. The five levels are Like New (mint condition, only minor wear); Excellent (minimal signs of wear, otherwise pristine); Good (fair amount of use, but well-kept and may have marks or scratches); and Well Used (significant use, noticeable signs of wear and tear); and Heavily Used (significant signs of wear and tear, primary functions still work).
Next step, carefully examine the equipment you plan to sell or trade and be as objective as you can be. Call out and disclose scratches and dings – which will be discovered anyway. A dent in the pentaprism doesn’t make a camera worthless or useless, but it does reduce the resale value. Put yourself in the other guy’s place—pretend that you are the buyer who wants to make sure everything is good.
Charge the battery and check camera functions. Fire a few test shots.
While you’re in the hands-on scrutiny phase, give the camera body and/or lens barrel a careful wipe down with a soft microfiber cloth. Dust often collects around dials and buttons, so clear the visible debris with a completely clean, unused paint brush (works better than a blower brush). Don’t overlook checking inside the battery compartment.
Do not clean the sensor, mirror or rear lens element.
Gather up all of the accessories starting with the battery(s) and—very important—the battery charger. Still got the original box, owner’s manual and packaging material? All the better. You won’t need that any longer.
If you have a flash unit that works only with the camera you’re selling, might as well sell it too. Likewise if you’re changing camera systems altogether, find and inspect the lenses you will no longer need.
Now you’re ready to go online at MPB and obtain an instant quote.
If you accept MPB’s offer, carefully wrap each item and pack it in a sturdy box. Here’s where having the original packaging comes in useful. Important: Don’t forget to remove the memory card before you start packing and be sure to include your name and address inside the box.
MPB pays for shipment to their facilities. You can choose to take your gear to a courier drop-off location or you can schedule a free pick-up from your address. After a complete inspection, they confirm the condition you described and then you consummate the transaction. If your equipment is in better condition than expected, they’ll automatically increase the amount indicated on your quote and pay you more. On the chance there’s a negative price adjustment, you can decline and get your gear returned for free.
Once the deal is complete, MPB deposits the agreed amount directly into your bank account within days. It’s really that easy, fast and safe.
MPB is a Community
MPB has a robust and informative website with valuable original content including competitions, gear guides, how-to tips, videos, interviews and other items of interest to photo and video storytellers. They also offer a free newsletter. The newsletter is always packed with helpful information, guides and tips covering a wide variety of photo and video topics. Once you feel at home—and you will—open a free MPB account to unlock faster checkout, manage your transactions online and get more relevant content.
—Shutterbug Staff
