Education

Shooting from Above: A Guide to Getting High

By EyeEm Team - 4 min read

9 ideas for finding spectacular views and a whole new perspective

What drives photographers to climb the iffiest of ledges and procure sweaty palms on high-rise rooftops? Blame the Icarus instinct in us all of us, driving our curiosity to survey the world from above, just to snapa photo for those on street-level to see.

Getting to high places is as easy as picking up a tour book, but it can also be as fun as simply pointing your finger on a map and going there. So how do you find these places? Here are 9 tips for finding the most spectacular and creatively inspiring high-up views wherever you are.

Lamarr Golding

1. STAIRS

Finding the perfect staircase can make for the most gratifying of urban geometry shots. Find winding, photo-worthy staircases in museums, libraries, universities, and hotels. Anywhere that looks interesting on the outside most likely looks interesting on the inside, too.

Steffi

2. EXPLORE

This one’s as easy as going outside and looking around. See a hill? Go there. Just make sure to bring good shoes, and a flashlight if it’s getting dark.

The Diary of Zach

3. BRIDGES

When you find the perfect spot, aim straight down for a clean angle. You might even think about using an extender or tripod to hold your camera directly from above.

Junya Suzuki

4. ROOFTOPS

Urban exploration means meandering hallways, opening doors you might not always dare to open, and climbing stairs until you get all the way to the top. This might take craftiness, but when you get there, the view will be worth it.

Lamarr Golding

5. CLIMB

For the athletically inclined or those up for the challenge, climb. Climb what? Rock-sides, brick walls, mountains, or go spelunking! Make sure to do this the safe way. Read up or learn from an instructor if you need to.

High angle view man looking down while climbing volcanic mountain

Lichtathleten

6. TAKE A RIDE

Think about all the vehicles out there designed to take you high–there are so many! Hot air balloons, double-decker busses, ski lifts, and roller coasters. You could probably think of a few more.

People looking at city view from millennium wheel against sky

Walter

7. HIGH-RISES

Somewhere new? Pick up a local guide, and find the highest building in town. Make sure to catch the view from more than one side of the building. Each side will have its own spectacular perspective.

High angle view of circular bridge amidst city

Karl Schaeffler

8. VISTA POINTS

Every city has them. Think of the places that have binoculars you can toss a coin into. That’s the one! Get there at sunrise to avoid the crowds and catch rich golden hour light.

Friends sitting on retaining wall by city against sky during sunset

Markus Spiering

9. INDOOR BALCONIES

These can be unexpectedly majorly fun to shoot from. Malls, hotels, museums are good places to scope out stunning indoor geometry. Play around with how people move within the space for an extra creative push.