How do angles change the photo?

Angles are integral to taking strong athletic photography shots. Although a slight shift in your vertical axis by a few degrees might not seem like much, the slight difference can produce entirely new photos altogether. Every week it seems like I'm telling you that this new tool will change the composition of your photos entirely, but when it comes to angles, that's more than true. The vertical axis can be your best friend if you're in a slump and need a new perspective

Let's take a look at two photos and how we use this perspective shift to our advantage

I don't think I've ever posted this first photo anywhere, ever. It's not a great photo for a few reasons. There is no use of narrative, framing, or symmetry anywhere to be found (and that's okay!). However, I have it around for one reason. Because of this next shot, we can see how I use a lower angle to my advantage to create a new perspective without ever moving my feet.

The new perspective

This shot is only seconds after the last one, but the composition is completely and wholly changed. By just lowering my camera, the subject of the shot becomes much more visible, and the narrative of the shot changes to a look on the bench, looking at the game. We get a great effect stemming from the middle of the shot - the start of the bench - with the subject - the end of the bench. By just changing the angle vertically, you can take a shot you might not be happy with, to one you're putting on a portfolio.

All it takes is raising the camera, or lowering it to get a whole new persepective.

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