Travel photography tips: Change your viewpoint

Professional photographer Steve Davey presents his travel photography tips. Read his advice for using viewpoint to create a more dramatic shot

By Steve Davey
Published 24 Jan 2015, 11:00 GMT, Updated 1 Jul 2021, 15:57 BST

Don't take all of your pictures from head height: shoot from higher, or in this case lower to create a more dramatic image. In this case looking down on the snakes would have just shown the tops of their heads, with a background of the paving of the square. A low viewpoint will also change the background of the picture. In order to achieve this snake-level viewpoint, I fitted the camera to a monopod and moved it closer to the snakes with a wideangle lens, triggering the camera with a remote release. This gave a more dramatic view of the snakes and showed the snake charmers in the background. The secret to all photography is to try to show things from a different, more unique perspective. Most times this will involve thinking about the picture before rushing in with a camera; in this instance it also involved getting rather close to a number of Egyptian Cobras! bettertravelphotography.com

Travel Photography Masterclass

Here at National Geographic Traveller, we've teamed up with professional photographer Steve Davey, who will be presenting his travel photography masterclasses at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel show. These two-hour masterclasses will help sharpen your skills, iron out bad habits and give you a better understanding of your camera's functions to enhance your travel images. Book your masterclass, from only £30. Early booking is advised as places are limited. Click here to book your workshop.

 

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