Have you ever felt stuck shooting photos from the same angle over and over again? As a photo lover, it can be challenging to find fresh perspectives that make your images stand out.
The good news is that you can train yourself to notice unique angles by adopting a few simple daily habits. These habits help you break free from the usual viewpoints and discover creative ways to see the world through your camera lens.
In this article, you will learn easy and practical habits that naturally sharpen your ability to spot unique angles, making your photography more interesting and visually compelling.
Your 3 Daily Habits to Notice Unique Angles
Habit 1 — Explore Different Camera Heights
Why: Most photos are taken from eye level, limiting creativity. Changing your camera’s height opens up new perspectives.
How: Each time you pick up your camera, consciously shoot at least one photo from a low angle (near the ground) and one from a high angle (such as holding the camera above your head). This practice trains your eyes to spot interesting subjects from varying heights.
Cue: When you arrive at a new location or scene, immediately think about where to position your camera differently than usual.
Habit 2 — Focus on Foreground Details
Why: Adding foreground interest creates depth and can transform a familiar scene into something unique.
How: Before shooting, look around for interesting objects or textures in the foreground to frame your subject or scene. Experiment with how these details interact with the background.
Cue: Before clicking the shutter, scan the scene bottom to top to find elements in the foreground that add a story or visual harmony.
Habit 3 — Restrict Your Gear or Settings
Why: Limiting choices encourages creativity rather than overwhelming you with options.
How: For at least one photo session a day, commit to using only one lens or one camera setting. For example, only shoot with a 50mm lens or limit yourself to black and white shots. This forces you to think outside the box and seek new angles.
Cue: Take a mental note or physical reminder before you start your session to stick to your chosen limitation.
Week 1 Schedule
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Shoot 3 photos from a low angle. |
| Tuesday | Find and include foreground details in 5 shots. |
| Wednesday | Spend 15 mins shooting only with one lens. |
| Thursday | Shoot 3 photos from a high angle. |
| Friday | Combine foreground details with unique angles. |
| Saturday | Limit yourself to just black and white photos for the session. |
| Sunday | Review your photos and note which angles surprised you. |
Troubleshooting
Barrier: Feeling stuck shooting from eye level.
Fix: Remind yourself to physically move your body: crouch, climb, or look up to challenge your usual perspective and help you notice unique angles.
Barrier: Overwhelmed by too many gear options.
Fix: Try the habit of restricting your choices during a session to focus on creativity, making it easier to experiment with angles rather than equipment.
Barrier: Forgetting to look for foreground elements.
Fix: Practice briefly scanning scenes before photographing and train your eyes to include interesting textures or objects in the foreground.
FAQs
Q: How long should I practice these daily habits to see improvement?
A: With consistent daily practice for about two weeks, you will start to naturally notice unique angles without forcing yourself.
Q: Do I need special photography gear to notice unique angles?
A: No, noticing unique angles is more about changing your viewpoint and perspective than gear. Simple daily habits will sharpen this skill regardless of your equipment.
Q: What if I feel awkward shooting from unusual angles in public?
A: It is common to feel self-conscious initially. Try practicing at home or in private places first, then gradually build confidence to explore unique angles in public.
Tracking & Motivation Tips
Track your progress by reviewing your photos weekly and noting distinct perspectives you captured. Celebrate small wins like finding a new angle that you hadn’t noticed before. Motivation grows as you see your photography become more creative and unique.
Key Takeaways for Noticing Unique Angles
Daily habits like exploring different camera heights, focusing on foreground details, and restricting gear choices help photo lovers notice unique angles effortlessly. These simple practices train your mind and body to seek creative perspectives, making every photo opportunity more exciting.
