Still Life #27 Overhead Point of View

[Brooks]

The challenge for April is still life photography from an overhead POV.

Shooting from an overhead point of view gives an entirely new perspective on your subject. Shooting from overhead also creates a more two dimensional look where the graphic design of the subject and it's arrangement within the composition are very important. It's almost like making a two dimensional drawing or painting.

Use a tripod so you can maintain the composition as the edges of the frame and how they relate to the subject are very important. It will be frustrating to have to reframe your composition everytime you look through the camera lens. So use a tripod.

A tripod will make it difficult to get the camera exactly over the subject because the legs can get in the way but try and get it as much overhead as possible. Use a low surface to shoot on so you don't have to climb a ladder. I use a small piece of plywood on a few 2x4s on the ground. Starting with your subject arranged on a higher table will require a really tall tripod to get overhead and a ladder. Make it easier on yourself by starting out low to the ground.

As always good lighting is a plus. Light raking across the set from a low position casting long shadows can be interesting. Fill in the shadows as much as you need to with a fill card. Look at using glass blocks and cukoloris's to modify your light or go for a directional but very soft light from a larger source. Foil board reflectors can throw the light around a set in an interesting way as can mirrors.

You can use any subjects that you like but I would suggest less rather than more. Try to make the image about the light and arrangement and then the subject. For example a handful of nails with a directional light creating bright highlights and long shadows might be more interesting than a lot of different things jammed together.

Be a graphic designer. Use diagonal lines, the rule of thirds, horizontal lines, wavy lines etc.

Have fun and as all the art directors say, "Make it pretty!"

[palters]

I think I get the idea, we'll see what I can come up with. Thankfully life is slowing down and thing are becoming more normal again giving me more time to shoot and think about shooting again.

[JackAZ]

You're killing me Brooks! You actually expect me to come up with everything except the angle to shoot from?!?!?! This is going to be a looooooooong month. Ha! Can't wait to see everyone's submissions.

After a comment like that I suppose I better get things started Shot for fun my boys and I were having playing with Peeps. Two hot shoe flashes in shoot-thru umbrella's; one directly overhead, one above at three o'clock, angled down at about 45 degrees. Idea, arrangement, and layout courtesy of my seven year old.


Surrounded by JackAZ Photography, on Flickr

[wolfd]

Sounds like a fun challenge. Not home right now but will be in a couple of days so I can get a few of my trinkets together and post a few shots.

[Jim Milby]

While trying to figure out an idea for this challenge I found some crystal candle stands and a crystal plate. I put them on the table and started laughing because from an overhead view they looked just like a Japanese cartoon character. While I'm still trying to get a "real" idea for this challenge, I thought I'd upload it for your amusement. Jim


20120403-006E 3x2

Set up was relatively simple. The set was too low for light stands or softboxes.


20120403-007 3x2

[palters]

What are you using for reflectors here Jim?

Just so you know, someone once told me that "only old people wear New Balance shoes" guess that shows what they know huh!

Paul

[Brooks]

Jim,

This would be a great shot for this challenge! Look at the light and the warm wood tones. It's beautiful!

[Jim Milby]

Originally Posted by palters

What are you using for reflectors here Jim?

The reflectors are DIY made from thin plastic cutting boards used in the kitchen. They somewhat follow the design shape of Chuck Gardner on his site. They were my first venture into the world of light mods. I have found they make decent light when a mobile modifier is needed. I used them together last month at a 50th anniversary reception where I was asked to take pictures of the guests. A friend hand held one for the key light.

Originally Posted by palters

Just so you know, someone once told me that "only old people wear New Balance shoes" guess that shows what they know huh!

My son is wearing NB. Does that make me REAL old? He started skateboarding together with his boys at a bowl. He has now gotten WITH IT. He has a new cool skateboarders approved brand. The NBs don't have the same feel for the tricks. It's probabably the nice cushioning.
Jim

[Jim Milby]

Originally Posted by Brooks

Jim,

This would be a great shot for this challenge! Look at the light and the warm wood tones. It's beautiful!

Who would think my set up shot that included my shoes would generate this much interest!
Looking at this seriously, the shot shows good verticle depth. Is this what you're after?
Jim

[Brooks]

Originally Posted by Jim Milby

Who would think my set up shot that included my shoes would generate this much interest!
Looking at this seriously, the shot shows good verticle depth. Is this what you're after?
Jim

The overhead camera position is good but we want it all....good overhead POV, interesting arrangement and composition, and of course GREAT lighting!

I'm serious about this crop of your shot, I think it's wonderful for all the above reasons! Look at it again.