A carefully chosen viewpoint or ‘vantage point’ can often reveal the subject as familiar and yet strange. In designing an effective photograph that will encourage the viewer to look more closely, and for longer, it is important to study your subject matter from all angles. The ‘usual’ or ordinary is often disregarded as having been ‘seen before’ so it is sometimes important to look for a fresh angle on a subject that will tell the viewer something new.
The use of a high or low vantage point can overcome a distracting background by removing unwanted subject matter, using the ground or the sky as an empty backdrop.