![THE MAGIC OF SHOOTING FROM ABOVE (THE AERIAL SHOT, YOUR NEW FRIEND) [UPDATED]](https://photographychef.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/THE-MAGIC-OF-SHOOTING-FROM-ABOVE.jpg)
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 make you not stop thinking about how to climb higher to get an overhead shot. 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 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 plane, a hot air balloon, a cable car... take advantage of it!!! Anyway, you don't have to climb sooooo high to get an interesting overhead angle. You will also verify it with these inspiring photographs.
ARCHITECTURE IN AERIAL PLANE
The stairs are a wonderful opportunity to shoot from the overhead angle. Square, rectangular or spiral, it doesn't matter, they look just as impressive. Do you have a ladder nearby? Well, you're already going up to the top floor!
Another example of stairs in a zenithal plane, in case you still doubt ?
THE CITY FROM A ZENITHAL ANGLE
When you walk through the city you surely look around you and even up, but how many times do you look down? Beyond your feet, I mean ? Have you tried climbing the highest building, a bridge or a wall? You can even use the window of your house ? Try it, it's a fantastic photographic exercise!
SHADOWS FROM THE SKY, MAGIC IS POSSIBLE
If the shadows usually give a lot of play, I won't tell you when you capture them from this perspective (especially when the sun is low). The result is really surprising and even funny.
ZENITH ANGLE FOR EVERYDAY OBJECTS
As I told you at the beginning, you don't have to get on a plane or the Empire State Building to get an overhead shot. What's more, you don't even need to leave home. Many times we forget the beauty of everyday objects and we take refuge in the lack of opportunities to take the camera for a walk when we have great opportunities in front of our noses. You just have to know where to look from ?
GASTRONOMY, THE OVERHEAD SHOT TASTES BETTER
It is not the only correct perspective, but on some occasions it is an excellent option. I mean gastronomic photography . If you want to make your dishes envy, help your colleagues who have a restaurant or practice with this delicious motif, try shooting from an overhead angle. You will be surprised by the results!
OVERHEAD PORTRAITS
I love this perspective for portraits , face or full length. They are different, surprising, fun, shocking. If you need more portraiture tips, check out these articles .
AERIAL VIEW
And finally, I show you what you can achieve if you are lucky enough to go even higher with a drone. Surely the bug bites you...
And now… to look down! Because I have convinced you, right? You can't tell me after looking at these pictures that it's not a most interesting prospect! In fact, I think the zenith has just become your new best photographic friend ?
