How Thinking About Camera Height Can Improve Your Wildlife Photos

Just like portrait photography, the height you hold your camera relative to your subject makes a significant difference in how your wildlife images come across to your viewers. If you would like to improve your wildlife images, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced photographer discussing the impact camera height has on storytelling in your photos. 

Coming to you from Steve Perry, this awesome video tutorial discusses how camera height impacts storytelling in wildlife photos. Just like when you photograph people, placing the camera above, at, or below eye level can have a significant effect on how the viewer interprets the image. Generally, above the animal's eye level will feel less intimate and connected to the subject, and as such, it is an angle you will want to use sparingly, unless you are trying to establish a sense of the subject being prey. On the other hand, being at eye level establishes a strong sense of connection with the animal and can be particularly effective with smaller subjects. Lastly, being below eye level makes the subject appear imposing and is fantastic for larger animals or predators, when you want to show off size and strength. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Perry. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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