How to Create Dramatic Angles in Photography

One of the best things about photography is that you can use the camera in combination with a variety of other techniques to create almost any mood, setting or feeling you want. When you are just starting out, photography may seem intimidating, but as you progress in learning various techniques, you will begin to experiment on your own. If you are a novice photographer looking to create dramatic angles for an upcoming photo shoot, there are a few basic ways in which this can be done. If you are using 35mm film rather than digital, it may be a good idea to practice these techniques prior to the shoot, so you can see the results of each technique.

Things You'll Need

• Camera

Instructions

1. Use a simple lighting setup to create dramatic angles in photography. For example, even standard incandescent bulbs can be used in clip on reading lamps to create angles in photography. Choose bulbs with higher wattage for the highest dramatic effects. These can be clamped onto any available surface, and are relatively inexpensive. Start by placing your camera directly facing the subject, then angle the lights over the subject until you observe the desired dramatic angles. You may want to bring your lights in close to really experiment here. Try tilting them straight up from the ground, directly from behind, or at a 90 degree angle from the camera shining onto the subject.

2. Position your camera to create dramatic angles in photography. Keeping the camera level, you can lower or raise it on a tripod or set it another stable surface to take the photograph. By changing the height on the camera, you will create some surprisingly dramatic angles. In fact, you may even want to try backing away from the subject and placing the camera flat on the ground or floor–just make sure you lay down on your tummy to be certain that the shot is in focus.

3. Tilt your camera to create dramatic angles. Do this by holding the camera with your subject in the frame. Watch your frame as you hold the camera to your face or look at the screen, then move the camera with your gaze, as if it were an extension of your face. Look up, down, glance sideways, etc. You may even want to try standing on top of a stable surface or ladder to photograph your subject from above or sitting or laying down to photograph from below.

4. Experiment with a combination of all or some of the above listed. By incorporating these techniques, you can create your own uniquely dramatic angles in photography.