Looking for a Different (wide) Angle

When you visit well know tourist attractions it is very easy to go for the 'picture postcard' view when you pick up your camera to record your time there.  Personally I try to find a different angle (though I do take the tourist shots as well), looking for something out of the ordinary to focus my lens on.  This is where my 10-20mm wide angle zoom comes into it's own.  With this lens you have to get in close and find a different perspective.


Below are some examples taken on the recent trip to China during a visit to the Forbidden City.  I spent a lot of time looking for a different perspective on the very worn tourist trail around the World Heritage site. The situation wasn't helped by the fact the sky was very overcast, caused by the air pollution in Beijing. 


The first image is of the Gate of Supreme Harmony and was taken from a very low angle at the bottom of the carving that led to the doors at the top of the steps.

The Gate of Supreme Harmony
Taken low down looking back up the carving leading to the top of the steps

The Meridian Gate is the main entrance the Forbidden City.  A sequence of three shots become one thanks to Photoshop's panoramic feature.

The Meridian Gate
Not one but three wide angle shots and then stitched together as a panoramic

Another technique is to get in very close to capture detail.  The brass carvings on the massive doors were a suitable subject to capture on a wide angle lens

Detail on one of the carvings on the doors

More pictures from China can be found on FLICKR

ALL IMAGES ARE THE PROPERTY OF MACLEAN PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION.