Welcome to Get Low.
Ever have someone stop mid-walk and ask, “Are you okay?” while you’re awkwardly crouched in a puddle or tangled in tall grass? That’s me. Just last winter at Salter Grove, I looked like I’d fallen—totally fine, thank you very much. I was getting low.
And that, my friend, is exactly how low you sometimes need to go to turn a flat, lifeless scene into a photo that grabs attention, even in your own Instagram feed.
You’ve had the adventure. You’ve seen the sun kiss the horizon. You’ve breathed in that crisp winter air. But your memory card? It’s filing away the photographic equivalent of your uncle’s 1973 vacation slide show: safe, flat, and kind of boring. Let’s change that.
The Problem: Scenes Deserve Drama, Not Eye-Level Blah
Most photographers, beginners and pros alike, make one crucial mistake: they keep the camera at eye level. They see something of interest, and the hands automatically bring the camera up to their eye. Sure, it’s convenient. Sure, it’s comfortable. But comfort rarely produces jaw-dropping images. Eye-level shots are predictable—they flatten depth, squash textures, and erase the drama the scene naturally has.
When a photo feels flat, it’s rarely the subject’s fault. It’s usually because the shot is missing interest—and intention.
The Solution: Get Low, Really Low
Dropping your camera down, sometimes uncomfortably so, changes everything. Here’s why:
- Foreground Interest Explodes: Rocks, leaves, water ripples—they suddenly dominate the scene, leading the viewer into your frame.
- Depth Comes Alive: Low angles exaggerate distances, creating layers that make your landscapes feel immersive.
- Unique Perspective: Everyone sees the horizon. Few photographers get low enough to play with it. You’ll stand out.
Pro Tip
If you’re lying in the snow or crouched in the sand, own it. People will think you’re passionate, committed, or…well, a little weird. Photography isn’t about looking cool—it’s about capturing magic
Behind the Shot:
Sometimes you have to get low. Really low. I’m talking “someone-stop-and-check-if-I’ve-fallen” low. From this perspective, the ordinary rocks and frost became leading lines, the puddles turned into golden mirrors, and the sunrise? It hit me like it was just for me.
Getting lower isn’t just about drama—it’s about immersion. When you drop your viewpoint, your foreground becomes part of the story, adding depth and dimension that flat, eye-level shots can never touch. And yes, you might get a few curious glances from passersby—but trust me, it’s worth it.
Get the Gear: What I Use
I am a huge fan of graduated neutral density filters to help take my skies, and neutral density filters to darken the entire frame, helping me create my long exposures!
Try This Tip Today
Next time you’re out shooting:
- Lower your camera—try chest height, knee height, or even elbow height.
- Look for foreground elements that can lead the eye.
- Play with angles and composition.
- Don’t worry about looking silly—embrace it.
Your photos will thank you, and so will your memory card. No more flat, boring landscapes that look like they belong in someone else’s vacation scrapbook.
More Ways to Learn & Connect
This is just the tip of the iceberg (or snowbank, in Salter Grove’s case). If you want to dive deeper into dramatic perspectives, creative composition, and landscape secrets that make your friends go “Wow, did you really take that?”—reach out.
Dive deeper into the lessons and stories with my fine art photography books
Learn hands-on techniques in my photography workshops—practical, fun, and inspiring.
Bring peace, beauty, and storytelling into your space with fine art prints.
Bonus: The Tiny Subject Challenge
Here’s a little challenge to really make “Get Close” stick: grab a tiny subject—a flower, a shell, a rock, or even a crab if you’re feeling brave—and fill the frame. Step closer than feels comfortable. Focus on the details that make it interesting. Take three shots: one wide, one mid, one super tight.
Why? Because the magic of photography happens in the details. The closer you get, the more the world starts telling its story—and your viewer feels like they’re standing right there with you.
Remember our Pro Tip: your feet are your best zoom. Don’t be afraid to move, crouch, or kneel. Perspective is power.
