Point of View Example

Whistler British Columbia, Canada: Located just south of Whistler near the Cheakamus River, the Whistler Train Wreck is one of the area’s most unique attractions. A short and scenic hike leads visitors across a suspension bridge and into a forest clearing where brightly painted train boxcars have rested since a derailment in the 1950s. Today, the site blends history, nature, and street art. The colorful graffiti-covered cars sit among towering trees, creating a striking contrast between industrial steel and the surrounding wilderness. It’s an easy walk from the parking area and offers endless opportunities for creative photography from every possible angle.

Showcasing Angles and Modes

One of the most exciting ways to grow as a photographer is to experiment with point of view. The way you position yourself — high, low, close, far, straight on, or from the side — completely changes how a subject feels in an image. The first image on this page was capture in a vertical panoramic while the second image is a standard lens. In the photographs below, we came in close - creating a sense of abstract art.

Instead of taking one photo and moving on, try photographing the same subject from multiple angles. Step back and zoom in later. Get lower to the ground. Shoot from slightly above. Try different modes. Move around your subject and notice how light, lines, and background distractions shift with every step.

When you explore different perspectives, you begin to see how dramatically a scene can transform. What once looked ordinary can suddenly feel bold, artistic, or full of depth — simply because you changed your position.

Panoramic images can be horizontal or vertical. In the image above we moved the camera left to right, as opposed to an upward movement as seen in the original image.

We tried all the options at the Whistler Train Wreck site, photographing the same subject in multiple ways to show how point of view brings a location to life. By shifting angles and perspectives, the colorful boxcars, forest setting, and surrounding textures each told a slightly different story.

In the image below, we use the tree branch to frame the subject while also offered a leading line that guides the eye to the subject.

Photography isn’t just about what you’re shooting — it’s about where you’re standing, the light you are capturing and the modes you are using .

Taking It a Step Further: Creative Techniques

Once you’ve explored multiple angles and perspectives, the creative possibilities don’t stop there. In fact, this is where things get even more exciting. After capturing a variety of viewpoints, you can begin experimenting with editing techniques that dramatically shift the mood and impact of your images.

One technique we explored at the Whistler Train Wreck site was spot color. By converting most of the image to black and white while allowing select areas of color to remain, you instantly guide the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it to go. It creates emphasis, drama, and intention.

The end result can vary greatly based on the amount of saturation and creating multiple images is best. It is truly difficult to imagine the image ahead of creating it.

Even within spot color, subtle adjustments make a huge difference. How much color will you leave in the frame? Which tones will you highlight? Will you isolate a small detail, or allow several areas to remain vibrant? Each decision changes the emotional feel of the image.

Hanukkah Veronica Visit the Whistler Train Wreck

When we travel, we typically have one of our favorite companions, Hanukkah Veronica, The Mitzvah Fairy along for the ride. She likes nothing more than celebrating cultures and our beautiful planet. In this case, she is another perfect example of spot color options at work.

Compare the full color image above to the image below. We highlighted only the doll’s outfit and dress.

For our next option, we took it a step further - we colored both her dress, and a just a few elements of the graffiti - focusing on the blues to compliment her outfit.

With a little imagination and an understanding of the right tools, you will be fascinated by what your Smart Phone can do!

We hope these examples have inspired you. Whenever you find yourself in a fascinating place, take a few more minutes to create surprising images!

To learn more about Hanukkah Veronica, Halloween Hannah, Christmas Chloe and all the other Bonta Friends click the link below!

P.S. Bonta Friends is our children’s book series…please forgive us for a little co-branding!

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