The Magic of Shooting From Above (Overhead Shot, Your New Friend) [Actualizado]

Changing the angle of vision or the perspective from which we observe the world is always rewarding, surprising and even therapeutic. Something very similar happens in photography, by changing the shooting angle the image can take a radical turn in terms of attractiveness and interest. That is why today I want to show you the least used angle, the one that sometimes costs us the most. I’m going to keep you thinking about how to climb higher to get a bird’s-eye view. Do you accept this challenge?

The following photographs that you are going to see are shot from a zenithal angle. This is from above, but not in any way, but at an angle perpendicular to the ground or the subject, from top to bottom. With the examples you will understand it much better.

You will see that some of the images that I show you are taken from an airplane, small plane or similar. It is true that not everyone has this opportunity, but if you ever have it, in a small plane, a hot air balloon, a cable car… take advantage of it!!! Anyway, you don’t have to go up that high to get an interesting overhead angle. You will also see it with these inspiring photographs.

Architecture from above

Stairs are a wonderful opportunity to shoot from above. Square, rectangular or spiral, it doesn’t matter, they are just as impressive. Do you have a ladder nearby? Well, you’re already going up to the top floor!

Spiral captured by Unsplash
Ladders

Another example of stairs in the zenithal plane, in case you still doubt πŸ˜‰

stokpic image

The city from a bird’s-eye view

When you walk around the city you surely look around you and even up, but how many times do you look down? Beyond your feet, I mean πŸ˜‰ Have you tried to climb the tallest building, a bridge or a wall? You can even use the window of your house πŸ˜‰ Try it, it’s a fantastic photographic exercise!

And the waiter, in the clouds
urban lines
sky crossing
Switching points at Potsdamer Straße

Overhead shadows, magic is possible

If the shadows usually play a lot, I don’t tell you when you capture them from this perspective (and more when the sun is low). The result is really surprising and even funny.

Shades
Shadows of Borja Rius

Zenith angle for everyday objects

As I told you at the beginning, you don’t need to get on a plane or the Empire State Building to get a bird’s-eye view. What’s more, you don’t even need to leave the house. Many times we forget the beauty of everyday objects and take refuge in the lack of opportunities to take the camera out for a walk when we have great opportunities right in front of our noses. You just have to know where to look from πŸ˜‰

Hello!
everyday objects
Cactus

Gastronomy, the zenithal plane tastes better

It is not the only correct perspective, but it is sometimes an excellent option. I mean food photography. If you want to make people envy with your dishes, help your colleagues who have a restaurant or practice with this delicious motif, try shooting from a bird’s-eye view. You will be surprised by the results!

Gastronomy
Starters

Overhead portraits

I love this perspective for portraits, full-length or full-length. They are different, surprising, funny, shocking. If you need more shooting tips, check out these articles.

full length portrait
Portrait with impact

Aerial view

And to finish, I show you what you can achieve if you are lucky enough to go even higher with a drone. I’m sure the bug bites you…

The beach
bird’s eye view

aerial autumn

And now… to look down! Because I’ve convinced you, right? You can’t tell me after seeing these pictures that it’s not a very interesting prospect! In fact, I think the overhead angle has just become your new photographic best friend πŸ˜‰

If these images have been inspiring or motivating, be sure to share them on your favorite social network, Facebook or Twitter. Your contacts will thank you and so will I πŸ˜‰ Thank you and until next time!