Anatomy of an Image #8

Perspective

 
Perspective is a bit relative when it comes to photography. Our brains have evolved to use our two eyes to render three dimensional images. We are pretty good at interpreting two dimensional images like photographs most of the time without having to think about them much, but when unusual compositions are used, especially when missing visual queues like horizon lines, it forces our brains off of auto mode and requires us to think a bit more about the image.
 
That is what I attempted to do here. By laying down on the ground and photography up at the bride I eliminated the ground and the horizon from the composition. I took advantage of the “ship’s prow” distortion by shooting the corner of the building at such an extreme angle to add to the disorientation. I placed the bride just to the left of the corner so that the line made by the corner of the building intersected with her face as opposed to the top of her head. I also turned her towards the light which created flattering short light on her face.
 
My favorite part about this shot is that we just found this building while walking to the venue. I’m glad I noticed it because it ended up being one of my favorite portraits of her from the wedding. Photographers should use these types of photos with discretion because the upward angle tends to make people look bigger then they are. It worked for this bride because she was so thin.