Shooting From A Different Level

Photography is not just about capturing moments; it's about discovering new ways to see the world. Recently, I experienced this firsthand while photographing my nearly two-year-old son, Waylon. What began as a simple photo session turned into a fascinating exploration of perspective and how it shapes our understanding of the world around us.

While Waylon was busy trying to catch fiddler crabs on the sandbar, I crouched down to his eye level to take his photo. It was at this moment that I noticed the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse peeking through the marsh grass. From my usual 6'3" height, the lighthouse was just another structure on the horizon. But from Waylon's 3'1" perspective, the lighthouse revealed its true size, dominating the horizon as all other structures seemed to disappear. This unexpected view was a reminder of how dramatically different the world can appear from a lower vantage point.

For this shoot, I decided to try something new: a "new to me" lens, a vintage 70mm-210mm f/3.5, that I had never used before. The camera itself was uncharted territory, and I was eager to see the results. However, as any photographer knows, every piece of equipment has its quirks. This lens turned out to be quite a character. It’s old and seems kind of foggy, and after receiving the scans, I noticed the images were not as sharp as I had hoped. There were unexpected light leaks, and the focus was far from perfect.

Despite these technical challenges, the experience left me with a photograph that was unique and quite captivating. The image of the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, captured from Waylon’s vantage point through the marsh grass, was unlike any I had taken before. The foggy effect and imperfections lent it an almost ethereal quality, a testament to how unexpected outcomes can sometimes be the most rewarding.

This experience was more than just a photographic experiment; it was a reminder of the importance of embracing new perspectives, particularly those that differ from our own. Waylon’s viewpoint offered a fresh angle on a familiar subject, challenging me to rethink how I perceive and capture my surroundings.

Seeing the world from a child's level provides an opportunity to appreciate details and nuances that are easily overlooked from the towering height of an adult. It serves as a valuable reminder that sometimes, to truly understand something, we need to change our perspective.

While the vintage lens may not become a staple in my photography toolkit, the experience taught me the importance of embracing new challenges and looking at life from a different perspective. Whether you're a photographer, a parent, or simply someone curious about the world, I encourage you to crouch down and see life occasionally from the viewpoint of your little shadow. You might just find that it's cooler down there.

In the end, it's all about perspective. And sometimes, the view from 3'1" can be the most enlightening of all.