Since the rain forced me to look down for a whole day earlier this year , I've continued to explore the floor for inspiration. "Look up"  was the regular instruction from my Dad on our occasional visits to the city centre. I was missing all the intricate architecture above my eye line was his reason, but I also suspect he didn't like the sight of me, head bowed Kevin the Teenager style, traipsing alongside him. It's oft given photographic advice too - without looking up you're missing out on potentially wonderful images. The same can be said for looking down, as there is a whole world of shapes, shadows and detail that are easily over looked. Here then are just some of the types of images you can capture by just gazing past your feet.

Abstract

Road markings, curbs and natural detritus can create some wonderful abstracts if you look beyond their normal functions. The unique position of having a birds eye view over your subject enables you to frame images unavailable from a normal perspective. You can even get practice from the comfort of your own home by choosing a google map view and pointing towards different parts of the street.

Shadows

You can look for shadows at any time of the year, but the low sitting winter sun casts deep and interesting shadows to play with.

Reflections

Autumn and Winter

If the ideas and images above don't particularly appeal to you, autumn and winter provide more traditional photographic material with fallen and ice frosted leaves.

So, if you're out about with or without  a camera, don't forget to look down as well as up. I mean, when you come to think of it how much of the world is really best captured looking forward from head height...?

Till next time...

Matt Peers