Capturing Height: A Short Photographer's Unique Perspective on Tall Clients

I am, as they say, vertically challanged. At just barely 5 feet tall, I have to make adjustments to get along in the world made for average and taller folks.

My photos do have a different angle because I am short! As a photographer, I also need to be on top of things (pun intended). I am always looking around the area to find things I can stand on, slopes in the ground, or ways to change angles. It is truly a different way of looking at things.

Taking photos as a short person just takes a little bit of creativity. Most of my sessions are outdoors. That gives me an advantage to look for areas outside that have slopes. Slopes often work well for photos of clients sitting on blankets. When you are below them, it gives you a great perspective. I am usually laying flat on the ground for that. Then you can switch positions for photos of them standing, and you are above them a bit! Although the lighting can be challenging moving around that way. It works best on a cloudy day! I have often stood on stone garden borders or benches in parks. Steps are also a great way to even things out a bit. When a client sits on steps, I can go up and down the steps as well to find the best perspective.

I sometimes pack a step stool in my car. It is a little safer than standing on park benches, but I also have to drag it around with me. I found one with a rounded handle, so that makes it a bit easier. I usually don't get it out of my car, unless I really need it.

My most memorable tall-person session was snapping photos of twin boys who were graduating high school and were 6'4" & 6'5"! We actually had a lot of fun. Their mom was about as tall as I am, so they were very accustomed to looking down during a conversation as we chatted about things during the session. When I was standing near the two of them as they stood side by side, I felt so small! I needed to stand a good distance away from them while taking photos of them standing together! Standing farther away is also a great way to get a better perspective. Lessons learned: Keep a step stool in the trunk of your car, and learn to look at your surroundings for ideas.