How to properly photograph a steep hill? (Page 2): Hills --or inclines of any sort-- tend not to show their rise when shot straight on, much less upward at an angle. If somehow you can...

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How to properly photograph a steep hill?

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Aug 12, 2020 17:08:40 #

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Hills --or inclines of any sort-- tend not to show their rise when shot straight on, much less upward at an angle. If somehow you can find a vantage point that allows you to shoot laterally from a 45 degree (more or less) angle, and can likewise include elements that provide an upward perspective (eg, two like objects, one closer and larger, the other further away and somewhat more distant), there's a better likelihood of showing the rise in the land.

Aug 12, 2020 17:31:20 #

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Photo-Noob wrote:

Hello everybody

I'm currently staying in a vacation home that can only be reached by driving up a rather steep road. All my attempts to take proper picture of said road have fallen flat so to speak, i.e. they do at all show how steep that hill actually is. What's the secret to taking such a picture properly?

Thank you for your help.
Regards
Andy

Show us some examples of what you have tried and let us think about how to improve it. I did go back and look at some of my images with steep hills to see what made them look steep. And some of the things I see is that wide angle and up close helps as well as something of known size to get a sense of overall size.

Aug 13, 2020 05:10:18 #

ELNikkor

I'm with Johnswanda. Look for a vantage point from a distance.

Aug 13, 2020 05:30:03 #

hcmcdole

Watching this thread as my photos of steep hills always look less scary than in person. I think too many trees get in the way of some of the hills I encounter on our hikes, so can't really get the full scope of the trail.

Aug 13, 2020 05:32:53 #

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Photo-Noob wrote:

Take from the side.
Straight on will not show steepness.

Aug 13, 2020 05:53:13 #

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I prefer to shoot from the base up and use a telephoto lens. Tree, lamposts, Utility overheads can all be used to accentuate this. Otherwise try shooting from a distance to incorporate the base level and the horizon.

Aug 13, 2020 06:17:37 #

phot0n0ob

Again, thx everybody for your suggestions and ideas. I'm attaching four (out of 20 or so) pictures I took earlier today. Shooting from the side would obviously be a solution, but due to the trees / houses lining the road was not possible. I took all pictures with 18 - 140 mm Nikon lens 'cause it's the only one I own. With the exception of img 3 (62 mm) I took all pictures at 18 mm, which seemed to produce better results than using a longer focal length. With img 2 I pointed the camera to the ground a couple yards in front of me, which - at least in my imagination - makes for a steeper look than pointing straight out, horizontally.

For steepness reference: a "standard vehicle" has to drive up that entire hill in 1st gear ...

(Download)

Aug 13, 2020 06:19:30 #

phot0n0ob

img 2

(Download)

Aug 13, 2020 06:21:40 #

phot0n0ob

img 3

(Download)

Aug 13, 2020 06:23:57 #

phot0n0ob

img 4

(Download)

Aug 13, 2020 06:38:52 #

leenso52

davidrb wrote:

Get the largest clear glass jar available and fill it 2/3 full of a dark liquid. Set it on the side of the road and photograph it. This will re-create the glass vial in a builder's level and will demonstrate the angle of incline. Use a large enough jar and your favorite bourbon/scotch whiskey and you won't care how steep the hill is.

I think this would attacked too many photo bombers!!! I like it though!

Aug 13, 2020 06:40:26 #