A Photographer’s Vision: A Different Perspective on Top Tourist Attractions
In photography, we often talk about something called ‘a photographer’s vision’. Simply put, what this means is that professionals actually see the world differently as if from a camera viewfinder. It is this vision that distinguishes some professionals from beginners.
We thought we’d look at the phenomenon in action. Around the world, there are dozens of locations that attract tourists and guess what? They all come back with the same pictures. These images are ranked at the top and get circulated and purchased more frequently than some of the gems that are hidden in the depths of our library, waiting to be discovered.
We’re on a mission to seek photographs beyond the picture-perfect images we’re so used to seeing of these locations. As a reference point, you will see the top search result for each popular tourist attraction from the Depositphotos database and below it, a comparison of a slightly different composition. Here’s a different spin on 15 popular tourist attractions, through the eyes of our photographers:
Eiffel Tower
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Include foreground elements and take a distorting angle for visual interest.
Machu Pichu
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Try to find ways to frame your subjects for a ‘frame within a frame’ effect.
Taj Mahal
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: There’s another side to every tourist attraction – a quiet and serene one in the early hours of the morning. Tone down the colors, doesn’t always have to be bold and bright.
Colosseum
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Night lighting illuminates architectural structures in a whole new light. Work with the lighting and play with your camera settings for more drama.
Great Wall of China
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: When focal points are limited, introduce another element for visual interest.
Stonehenge
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: We’re so familiar with the popular attractions that sometimes even an outline is enough to make that quick association. The results are a more interesting representation.
Statue of Liberty
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Add movement through different effects to paint a different picture around the touristy site.
Notre-Dame
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: The main attraction doesn’t always have to be the focus of the picture – focus on the atmosphere.
Sagrada Familia
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Looking up architecture remains a popular trend. Find that winning composition from a different angle.
Big Ben
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Drawing focus away from the attraction, yet still capturing it as part of the composition makes an even more compelling shot.
Sydney Opera House
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Using props to distort the perspective is another way to turn your composition around.
Angkor Wat
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Note how the time of the day can completely transform a photograph.
Burj Khalifa
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Don’t isolate the structure, show it in context to the surroundings.
Central Park
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Many try isolating locations but actually including humans makes them more relateable.
Great Pyramid of Giza
Most popular image:
A different perspective:
Tip: Color blocking is another tactic that isn’t as popular but could be just as interesting as a broad daylight shot.
Of course, there are many more tourist locations around the world. Follow our articles next week to find the next 15 locations and how our contributors have chosen to illustrate them in a new light.
