Dutch Angle

A play on words. “Dutch Angle” is a Hollywood term used to describe cinematic angles used by the likes of Leni Riefenstahl in 1930s Germany.

(How would Hollywood know the difference between “Deutsch” and “Dutch”? Just think of the Pennsylvania Dutch, who were Germans too.)

Anyway, back to angles. I have mentioned them before. Uncle Fred only uses angles in his photos when he accidentally fails to straighten the horizon.

So when do I use angles?

Here are  few examples.

Boerenworst Barbecue

Boerenworst Barbecue

Photographer's Shadow

Photographer's Shadow

Knox Church, Oakville

Knox Church, Oakville

I use angles for the following reasons:

  • When I have to, to fit it in. This is more common than you might think. Never hesitate: turn to a crazy angle if you want to get more in.
  • When I am using a wide angle lens, almost inevitably.
  • For artistic reasons, e.g. to get the Rule of Thirds.
  • When I want to straighten one particular picture element.
  • When I want to add a sense of energy to an image.

So there are many valid reasons. Look at your photo album: how many images are turned? If it is not a significant proportion, I suggest you may want to do more.

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