Monthly PVCC photography competitions are open to all PVCC members in good standing and are free to enter. Competitions are intended to enhance our technical and creative skills behind the lens and during post-processing.
July Judge Robert Gough:
Robert was raised in Ohio by parents that were artists. His father was a fine artist using oil to paint photo realistic landscapes of the surrounding areas. He started in college in the 80’s with an interest in photography shooting architecture, landscapes and abstract patterns and designs. His father would coach him on composition, color and design as well as give hundreds of photography books for birthdays and Christmas. He joined Photo Venture in 2010 where he served as vice president, president, programs and membership. Through the eight years of PVCC, he shared his knowledge on various programs and has returned to judge competitions three times. He has been with the same AV Production company for 28 years as a show designer and producer. He designs the event/show in AutoCAD, creates realistic renderings for the clients then photographs the event.
July, 2025 Topic (Views From Above/Below)
Photography’s vertical dimension offers limitless creative potential, from drone-enabled areal overviews to intimate ground-level revelations while looking up.
One can be located high above and view the scenes or subjects below. On the other hand, one can also look up from a lower location to view the scenes or subjects above.
Photographing subjects from above (bird’s-eye view) or below (worm’s-eye view) can reveal hidden patterns, amplifies emotional resonance, and challenges conventional visual narratives.
Technical tips
• Use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the scene, especially when shooting from above.
• Drones have democratized access to bird’s-eye views, advanced stabilization systems can also mitigate wind interference.
• For static elevated positions, extendable poles like the GoPro El Grande (3 meters) allow smartphone cinematography from heights previously requiring scaffolding.
For ABOVE shots:
• Adjust your aperture: close down your aperture (higher f-stop) to keep details sharp across the frame.
• Physically elevate yourself: stand on a chair, ladder, or use a drone or monopod to gain height for top-down shots.
• https://www.myclickmagazine.com/photos-from-above/
For BELOW shots:
• Lie down on your back, flip up your articulate screen on the camera, or use a flexible tripod to stabilize your camera for dramatic upward angles.
• Tilt-shift lenses correct converging verticals in architectural shots, preserving geometric integrity when shooting upward at skyscrapers.
• Weather-sealed cameras paired with flexible tripods can withstand muddy terrains during nature macro sessions.
• Use a wide aperture (lower f-stop) to isolate your subject against the sky or ceiling.
• https://youtu.be/hpc2QbdIgu8
Always Consider the story: Shooting from above can make subjects appear small or vulnerable, while shooting from below can make them look powerful or imposing.
• Experiment with time and light: Revisit the same location at different times to see how light and shadow change your composition from these angles.
• Use reflections, glass, or puddles for creative effects when shooting from below.
• For wildlife or pets, get at or below their eye level to create more engaging, intimate images.
• Don’t be afraid to move around and try unconventional positions-sometimes the most interesting angle is the least expected
Masters of Vertical Perspective Above and Below Photography
1. Tom Hegen (tomhegen.com): German photographer visualizing anthropogenic landscapes through abstract color fields.
2. George Steinmetz (georgesteinmetz.com): National Geographic contributor capturing desert ecosystems via motorized paraglider.
3. Brad Walls (bradscanvas.com): Drone choreographer transforming pools and beaches into abstract compositions.
4. David Doubilet https://petapixel.com/2021/11/04/photographer-captures-beautiful-split-photos-above-and-below-the
