Ready to shake up your photography? Let’s ditch the usual “straight-on” and “overhead” shots for something a bit more… surprising. Here’s a lineup of unconventional angles that might look downright bizarre while you’re setting them up but often result in shots that are arrestingly unique. Ready to try something new?

1. The Worm’s Eye View (or, “I feel like an ant”)

Most of us are used to looking slightly downward, so try flipping the script and get as low to the ground as possible. This angle captures a subject from below, mimicking what a worm might see. It works wonders for:

• Tall structures like skyscrapers or trees, adding a surreal, towering effect.
• People—especially kids or pets—for that sense of majesty. You’ll get a dramatic, almost mythical perspective of them.
• Flowers or plants, turning an ordinary bloom into a whole forest of textures and colors.

With a little patience, you can transform blades of grass into jungle canopies and emphasize any subject’s height and shape in a way that feels whimsical, even otherworldly. And if you’re worried about a few strange looks, remember it’s worth it for the shot!

2. The Reverse Reflection Shot

Most people snap reflections head-on, which is often stunning, but sometimes it’s so perfectly mirrored that it can feel… predictable. Try this instead:

• Capture your subject indirectly through the reflection (like off a puddle or a shiny surface), but tilt the camera at an odd angle.
• Rotate it by 90 or even 180 degrees to break up the symmetry. This adds a touch of disorientation, making the viewer question what’s “real.”

It’s a fun way to make a scene feel more abstract, and it’s perfect for adding mystery to urban scenes or nature shots.

3. Through-the-Legs Shot (Yes, Really!)

This one’s a conversation starter. Standing over your camera so it’s peeking out between your legs (almost like a reverse selfie) creates a strange but dynamic composition.

• Great for landscapes with a unique perspective—viewers feel like they’re peeking through a secret window.
• It also creates interesting leading lines with your legs framing the image, perfect for street photography or environmental shots.

Just make sure you’re somewhere safe to avoid balancing mishaps!

4. Over-the-Shoulder POV

Instead of the traditional over-the-shoulder angle, try positioning the camera right up against your subject’s shoulder, slightly angled forward. This hyper-close perspective feels intimate and personal.

• It’s an interesting way to shoot portraits without being too direct—perfect for capturing someone’s focus on an activity.
• Works well for street photography, giving a “fly-on-the-wall” feel where the viewer feels they’re in on a moment.

This one is often used in cinema to give the audience an “insider” perspective. Why not try it in your photography, too?

5. Extreme Tilted Horizon (a.k.a., the Dutch Angle)

The Dutch angle is essentially tilting your camera so that the horizon line is no longer parallel with the bottom of the frame. It’s a classic film technique, often used to convey unease or intensity.

• Great for urban shots, adding drama to architecture and street scenes.
• Perfect for action shots where you want to capture a sense of motion and energy.

If you want to capture the frenetic pace of a city or add an artistic edge to a landscape, this is the angle for you. Just don’t overdo it, or it could feel a little dizzying!

6. The Peeking Lens (using nearby objects as a frame)

Get up close to nearby objects (like branches, fences, or even furniture) to partially obscure your shot. This angle creates a “peeking through” effect.

• Nature shots get a cozy feel, like you’re discovering a hidden world.
• Street photography looks mysterious, as if you’re catching a fleeting moment unnoticed.

This technique creates depth and intrigue, almost like a “secret” view of your subject. Try this to make everyday scenes feel more layered and intimate.

7. From the Hip

Forget the viewfinder for a second and shoot from waist-level (or lower). This angle gives your photos a casual, almost spontaneous look, and you might capture something unexpectedly great.

• Works wonders in crowded places or when you want an “unfiltered” feel in street photography.
• Excellent for candid portraits since your subjects won’t feel the “pressure” of a camera in their face.

This is the ultimate candid approach—it’s like shooting in stealth mode! And because you can’t see the shot right away, there’s a sense of thrill in what you might end up with.

8. Under the Transparent Surface

This is a hidden gem of an angle, especially if you’re into surreal effects. If you have a glass or plastic surface, try shooting up through it. Imagine holding a camera beneath a transparent glass table or clear surface.

• Perfect for shooting flowers, food, or small objects—the viewer sees the subject floating or viewed from below, offering a rare perspective.
• Adds an experimental twist to portraits—shoot someone standing on a transparent surface for a distorted, dreamlike effect.

And hey, it’s an excuse to lie under a glass table, which isn’t something most of us do every day!