What is the impact of high, low, or eye-level point of view in composition?

Question

Of course there aren't any fixed rules in photography, but since part of photography is about sharing one's viewpoint, I'd like to hear how experienced photographers choose this key aspect of composition.

What impact, in general, does it make to choose:

• A high point of view, above the scene?
• A eye-level point of view, at normal human height?
• A low-to-the ground "earthworm's view"?

Does the choice of subject completely overrule any difference, or is there a general sense each viewpoint gives? When the choice of subjects matter, which subjects lend themselves to each perspective? Do certain types of photography work best with a particular point of view?

Are there other possible viewpoints to consider?

Answer

When you take portraits, the rule is to be to eye level. But... if your model does not have too much hait, a little down the eye point of view can help. Same thing if your model has a double chin. A little higher than eye level can help.

Another thing is about the use of a wide angle lens. The rule is to keep the camera horizontaly and verticaly "aligned". But if you want to enhance some curves, or some perspective, you may rotate it a little bit.

Also, with a wide angle lens, getting a little bit down can reduce the importance of the ground, and at the opposite, taking it up may increase it (always with the camera H/V aligned).

A last thing. Putting the camera higher than your eye level may introduce a feeling of power / detachment. On the opposite, putting it lower may introduce a feeling of submission.

The main rules given in this answer also apply for all subjects. Another thing : taking a picture at eye level may give a picture that "anyone can see". The more you change your point of view, the more the picture will be intriguing. takin for example a landscape at your point of view, if there is nothing interesting in the landscape, would result to a not-so-good picture. taking the same landscape from the grass level could give some interesting effect and result to a Wooooaw to not-so-bad image.

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