Different Points of View
Photo #1 (left):
Long Shot/Establishing shot
This photo shows the entire view of the bookcase, taking the focus away from the main subject (the candle). However, it does show a nice contrast between the shadowed grid on the left and the brighter grid on the right because of the candle, and the viewer's eye does go to the candle because it's (sort of) in the rule of thirds. Overall, this is a good exposition photo to set the overall scene.
Mood: Neutral, Calm
Photo #2 (right):
Extreme close up/Slight high angle
This photo is more of a macro-photography, zooming into the flame. It emphasizes the details. To me, it feels a bit gloomy because of the dark colors and because of how the background is almost black. The full focus and emphasis is on the flame, which tells me as a viewer of it's importance. The flame is bright and is almost centered, so it feels slightly unsettling but also quite calming because there's nothing around, just me and the flame. The photo feels more professional too.
Mood: Unsettling, Calm, Mysterious, Gloomy
Photo #3 and #4:
Medium shot
These photos feel more cozy and safe to me. Firstly, we're in eye level with the candle and the toy, so it feels very much like I'm right in that place, having a snug, cozy time in a warm, intimate atmosphere. It doesn't feel threatening because I'm right at the same level, and quite close to it too. Also, since the picture is not symmetrical or taken straight up, it's a bit tilted, it feels more natural.
Mood: Intimate, Cozy, Warm, Safe
Photo #5 (left):
Birds Eye View/Symmetry/Slight leading lines
This one is a high angle or a birds eye view. To me, since it's so straight and centered and almost symmetrical, it feels very staged and unnatural. So as a viewer, I don't feel safe or comfortable but instead am wondering if I'm being sold something, or what is this trying to tell me. Or, in a movie scene where sometimes they have a top-down view of a cup or a candle, it gives a sense of structure or routine. Also, the books in the background can serve as leading lines to the candle which puts our focus onto it.
Photo #6 (right):
High Angle Shot
This photo feels very spooky and unsettling. With the darkness in the back, and the high angle view making the subject look small and weak, it makes me a bit anxious. Like, is something bad going to happen to them? Are they in danger? What is going on?
Mood: Anxious, Suspenseful, Mysterious, Gloomy
Overall Reflections:
Changing the point of view alters the way the viewer sees and perceives the subject. If the subject is very small, it may look weak, or there may be less focus on it. If it is big and zoomed in, it may look more threatening or simply makes the viewer have full attention on it. It also changes the way the viewer interacts/fits in with the scene. Depending on the angle and how far away the picture was taken, it places the viewer in a different spot in the scene. For example, photos #3 and #4 made me feel very intimate and cozy because I was at eye-level and felt very safe and natural. But for photo #5 I felt more anxious and scared because of the high angle and the way the subject looked weak added a sense of drama and mystery.
