4. Go for the “Snail’s Eye View.”
Shooting up toward your subjects by staying low to the ground can create some dramatic imagery, he says — but don’t forget to think about the practical things. “If you are outside, it’s a good idea to bring along some plastic bags to kneel or lie on while taking these types of pictures (one-gallon resealable bags work well),” he shares. “Another option is to use a product I helped develop called GalleryPouch bubble bags, which are made from laminated bubble material. They provide a waterproof, cushioned surface and they can be rolled up and packed away for when you need them.”
Darlow suggests foam kneepads that are found at most home improvement stores (look in the carpet or painting section): “They are good if you will be standing, then kneeling, because they usually attach via a closeable fastener. For real die-hards, heavy-duty skateboard kneepads are another option.”
If the Snail’s Eye View it totally your scene, Darlow says you should “experiment by including different amounts of foreground” in your shots and consider buying a camera with an articulating LCD display, similar to the flip-out screens commonly found on camcorders. “Or smartphone cameras can do a good job,” he adds, “though you may want to boost the screen’s brightness, especially if you are taking pictures outside in bright sun.”
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