How to Make Your Photos Stand Out with Unique Angles & Perspectives
Beginner Tips for Capturing More Creative Shots (with Example Images)
When you’re just getting into photography, it’s easy to snap everything from eye level. But if you want to make your photos more eye-catching and creative, changing your angle can make all the difference.
Let’s break down some simple ways to experiment with angles and perspectives—plus example images to show what each one looks like.
Why Angles Matter
Changing your angle changes the way people feel when they look at your photo. A low angle might make something look powerful, while a top-down shot can highlight design and simplicity. You’re not just photographing a subject—you’re guiding how people see it.
1. Get Down Low
Tip: Kneel, crouch, or even lay on the ground to take your shot. This makes your subject look bigger and more important—or gives a fun, fresh point of view.
Example Image Idea:
A photo of a dog taken at eye level vs. one taken from the ground looking up at the dog (bonus if the background shows some sky or trees).
📸 Try it with: Kids, pets, flowers, skateboards, architecture.
Source: Unsplash
2. Look From Above
Tip: Stand above your subject and shoot downward. This top-down perspective is great for showing layout, shape, and color patterns.
Example Image Idea:
A flat lay of art supplies on a table, neatly arranged, shot directly from above.
📸 Try it with: Food, hands doing crafts, plants, crowds, flat lays.
Source: Unsplash
3. Shoot Through Something
Tip: Hold something close to your lens—like a leaf, curtain, or sunglasses—and shoot through it. It adds a sense of depth or mystery.
Example Image Idea:
A portrait where the photographer is shooting through hanging fairy lights, with a soft, blurred foreground.
📸 Try it with: Windows, fences, leaves, veils, translucent fabrics.
Source: Unsplash
4. Tilt Your Camera
Tip: Instead of holding your camera perfectly straight, try tilting it slightly. This adds movement or tension to a scene and can make things feel more alive.
Example Image Idea:
A skateboarder mid-jump with the camera tilted, making the angle feel dynamic and fast.
📸 Try it with: Street shots, sports, portraits, parties.
Source: Unsplash
5. Use Reflections
Tip: Look for reflective surfaces like mirrors, puddles, or windows to shoot your subject twice—once directly, once in the reflection.
Example Image Idea:
A city street after rain, with buildings reflected in a puddle. Shoot low so the puddle takes up most of the frame.
📸 Try it with: Water, mirrors, shiny tables, smartphone screens.
Source: Unsplash
6. Zoom In Close
Tip: Get really close to your subject to show detail. This makes your photo feel more intimate or abstract.
Example Image Idea:
A close-up of someone’s eye, showing texture, reflection, and color.
📸 Try it with: Textures (skin, fabric, wood), nature, food, tools.
Source: Unsplash
7. Try One Subject, Five Ways
Tip: Pick something simple—like a coffee cup, plant, or shoe—and take five photos of it from five different angles. Compare and see which one stands out.
Example Image Idea:
A collage of five images of the same subject: top-down, side view, low angle, close-up, and tilted.
📸 Try it with: Literally anything! It’s the best way to train your creative eye.
Final Thoughts
Photography is about showing the world in a new way. You don’t need expensive gear—just curiosity and a willingness to move around. Bend your knees, climb a chair (safely!), or peek through something nearby. Every angle tells a different story.
Want to keep learning?
Create your own “angle of the day” challenge. Each day, pick one of the tips above and go out to shoot with just that in mind. You’ll be amazed how fast your creativity grows.