This document provides guidance on using point of view in photography. It explains that point of view is the one compositional element most under the photographer's control and can be used to make images more powerful. Point of view refers both to physical perspective, such as looking up or down, and figurative perspective of how the photographer feels about the subject. Students are assigned to photograph a single subject from different points of view and consider compositional techniques to effectively convey their perspective.

1. Point of View
An Image Development Strategy
Digital Photography Unit
Ms Gregory
Elementary Connected Classrooms

2. Learning Intentions
1. To learn about point of view (sometimes
called ‘perspective’) in photography.
2. To see and capture images using point of
view.
3. To use point of view to create powerful
images with digital photography.

3. Point of View
An image development strategy used by artists & photographers
to make their images stronger, more powerful.
– More of the ‘language’ of the visual arts.

4. The one compositional element that is
almost entirely in your control.

5. Point of view, literally…
…means where you stand in relation to your subject

6. No matter where
you stand or,
where you look,
objects recede
away from you.

7. Where you stand influences the
appearance of your subject.

8. Photos taken
looking up are
often called a
‘Worm’s Eye View’.

9. Photos taken looking down are called a
Bird’s Eye View. From far above…

10. …or, a Bird’s Eye View up close.

11. Sometimes the focal point is far away…

12. …or use macro settings and get very close.

13. Point of View, figuratively…
…means how you feel about your subject.

14. How you feel…
…not just spatially, but
aesthetically, emotionally, even morally.

15. To successfully use figurative point of
view you need to:
1. understand your
subject enough to
have an opinion or
idea about
it, and…

16. …you need to:
2. have the
technical skill and
creativity to
communicate
that opinion or
idea to those
viewing the
photo.

17. Your assignment:
1. Photograph a single subject from different
points of view.
2. Use macro settings if needed to get in close.
3. Remember line, texture, shape, rule of thirds
and other tips from the last two lessons.
4. Remember to behave appropriately if outside
of the classroom.
5. We’ll upload and share out after 30 minutes!
6. Questions?

18. References:
A) The Photographic Eye
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6402946/The-Photographic-Eye-
Learning-to-See-With-a-Camera
B) All photos accessed March 17, 2011 from Flickr:
1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/13898329@N00/124946458/
2. http://www.pbase.com/10kzoomfz/image/86151530
3. Even Taller http://www.flickr.com/photos/63359565@N00/44069294/
4. Tracks into Infinity http://www.flickr.com/photos/70925600@N00/34359017/
5. …like a rocket http://www.flickr.com/photos/53367917@N00/62350638/
6. Tall Trees on the Rock http://www.flickr.com/photos/15848411@N00/469498566/
7. Volvo army http://www.flickr.com/photos/56176680@N00/187677043/
8. Flax field http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/agnic/flax/Reimers%20Seed%203.htm
9. Moon Hill http://www.flickr.com/photos/83905194@N00/347834447/
10. Macro-main http://www.flickr.com/photos/49503209319@N01/106115745/
11. http://www.flickr.com/photos/17575871@N00/424840499/
12. Baby Anna http://www.flickr.com/photos/90182659@N00/281175895/
13. Ghost-dog http://www.flickr.com/photos/hand-nor-glove/372497424/sizes/m/in/photostream/
14. Wilbur Likes Leaves
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mommamia/210433527/sizes/m/in/photostream/