Same Person, Different Perspectives

Perspective, in terms of photography, is the spacial relationship between the lens and subject. Put simply, it is “Where is the camera?” versus “Where is the subject?”. Although technicaly focal length is not part of photographic perspective, many people will lump it into the definition because photographers will often change their position in relation to the subject based on the focal length they are using, for example they will move in closer to the subject as they use wider focal lengths. While it is true that focal length can directly influence perspective, it is not perspective itself and is not included in the definition of photographic perspective for the purposes of this article. I’ll cover focal lengths elsewhere.

Perspective plays a key compositional role in street photography. It is the primary, and most immediately available, means by which the street photographer can dictate to the viewer how to see the subject. Photographic perspective is one of the easiest ways to create visual interest and transform a mundane scene in to one worth looking at. These are some common perspectives useful in street photography.

All Things Being Equal

I’m going to make an assumtion here. Yes, I am fully aware of what Benny Hill used to say about “assume”. I’m going to assume that the majority of the people reading this article are within a foot or so of average height and generally take their street photos standing up. This is our “default” photographic perspective and the one we use most often. Really, to take a photo at any other perspective but this usually requires a concious step. It’s great for conveying an accurate first person view of what you found interesting enough to photograph. The major drawback to it is, as a perspective, it is the same way the vast majority of those who see your photo also see things. In that respect, it does nothing to add to the visual interest of the image.

Through the Eyes of a Child

This is probably my favorite photographic perspective. It’s also quick to impliment: simply bend down or, if you’re not standing on broken glass and hypodermic needles, drop to your knees. The best use of this perspective is to shoot children. It’s akin to the “All Things Being Equal” perspective above, except that you nor the majority of people seeing your photos are small children. And therein lies the visual interest. Not only are you conveying an interesting subject, but you are displaying it from a viewpoint at odds with the normal point-of-view of your audience. The downsides to the “Child’s Eye” perspective are that it takes slightly longer to use compared to the above and that, if over-used, becomes kind of “sylized-cliché”.

Over The Shoulder

This is the closest you can get in photography to a “third person” perspective. It’s a great compositional tool to use when trying to convey direct relationship between the subject and his activity or whatever has his interest. In addition, the head and shoulders make a great framing tool.

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