Most people take photographs from exactly the same place.

Standing upright.

Holding their phone at eye level.

Taking the picture.

While it feels natural, it’s also one of the biggest reasons why so many smartphone photos look ordinary.

One of the simplest—but most overlooked—photography techniques is changing your height before pressing the shutter.

Whether you crouch down, kneel, climb a few steps or hold your phone above your head, a new perspective can completely transform an image.

Here’s why every photographer should start thinking vertically.

Why Eye-Level Photos Often Look Ordinary

Our brains are used to seeing the world from standing height.

Because of this, photographs taken from eye level rarely surprise the viewer.

Changing your camera height immediately creates a fresh perspective that makes your images feel more dynamic and engaging.

Professional photographers constantly look for unusual viewpoints—and you can do exactly the same with your smartphone.

Get Low for More Dramatic Photos

One of the easiest ways to improve a photograph is to crouch down.

Shooting from ground level can:

• Make buildings appear taller.
• Create stronger leading lines.
• Emphasise foreground details.
• Add depth to landscapes.
• Make subjects look more powerful.

Even lowering your phone by 30 or 40 centimetres can make a noticeable difference.

Shoot Higher for Better Composition

Sometimes the opposite approach works even better.

Holding your phone above your head lets you:

• Remove distracting backgrounds.
• Capture interesting patterns.
• Show crowds or events more clearly.
• Reveal shapes that aren’t visible from eye level.

If you’re photographing colourful streets, gardens or market stalls, a higher viewpoint often creates cleaner, more balanced compositions.

Use Foreground Objects Creatively

Changing your height also changes what appears in the foreground.

Flowers, puddles, walls, railings and cobbled streets suddenly become part of your composition instead of empty space.

These foreground elements naturally draw the viewer’s eye into the photograph.

Tell a Better Story

Perspective influences emotion.

Photographing a child from their height creates a much more personal image than photographing them while standing above them.

Likewise, getting low beside a dog or photographing a musician from below can make the viewer feel more connected to the subject.

Instead of simply recording what you see, think about how your viewpoint changes the story you’re telling.

Before Every Photo, Ask Yourself One Question

Before taking your next picture, pause for just a moment.

Ask yourself:

“Could this look better if I moved higher or lower?”

That one question often leads to much stronger photographs.

Professional photographers rarely settle for the first viewpoint they find.

They move.

They experiment.

They look for something different.

Great Places to Practise This Tip

This technique works almost anywhere, but you’ll notice the biggest improvements when photographing:

• Historic streets
• Castles
• Forest paths
• Beaches
• Rivers
• Bridges
• Colourful buildings
• Public art
• Gardens
• Architecture

Try taking the same photo from three different heights and compare the results afterwards.

You’ll be surprised how different they feel.

Learn More Photography Tips on a PicTour

At PicTours, we believe great photography isn’t about owning expensive equipment—it’s about learning to see the world differently.

During our guided smartphone photography tours in Dublin and Cork, you’ll discover practical techniques like changing perspective, using leading lines, finding reflections, composing stronger images and making the most of natural light.

These are simple skills that instantly improve your photographs and help you capture memories you’ll genuinely be proud of.

Join a PicTour and discover how a small change in viewpoint can completely change the way you photograph the world.