Project 12, Month 7, Light

This month we'll be using available light in our compositions.  We'll compose photographs with shadows, reflections, silhouettes, sunsets, sunrises, moonlight, and chiaroscuro or contre-jour. We won't consider flashes, strobes, studio lighting etc, though they can be used if you wish.

Things to consider:

• The stronger the light, the deeper the shadows.
• Shadows and light rays can be used as leading lines or frames.
• Shadows and light can add depth and dimension to scenes.
• Shadows and silhouettes can add mystery to a photo.
• Black and white photos depend on the contrast of light and dark.
• Don't look directly at the sun -  not with the naked eye and not through the camera lens
• The "Golden Hour" (aka Magic Hour) is the first and last hour of the sunrise and sunset.  (For more precise times, see Roger Moffatt's Golden Hour Calculator ).  Some photographers swear this is the only time to take photographs.  They're wrong.
• The "Blue Hour" is the time just before sunrise and just after sunset when the sky is deep blue (not sky blue).
• Chiaroscuro means light/dark and refers to the use of strong contrast between light and dark areas in composition.
• Rays of Light can be the focus of your composition as seen in these 30 stunning photographs by WDCore Editorial

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

General:

1. Dealing with Light and Composition in Landscape Photography by Yassine Hakimi at photopoly; short article with different compositions - reflections, silhouettes, etc.
2. Snap Happpy: Tips for Perfect Pictures from The West Australian; mostly photographs - although not specifically an article on using light as a compositional element, the photographs demonstrated shadows, silhouettes, reflections, contrast, and sunsets.
3. Fundamentals of Photography, Composition & Light by Matt Eddy from Oil-Rig Productions; a pdf file - see pages 6 and 7 - In the Balance photo on page 6, notice how the shadows balance the lighter background. In the next slide notice how the dark sky balances the light colored water.
4. Ansel Adams Photography from National Park Service records; Ansel Adams was a master in using light to compose photographs. These photographs are well worth studying for inspiration
5. The Complete Beginners Guide to Natural Light by Andrew Gibson at phototuts+
6. Using Light and Dark - Chiaroscuro by Bill Wright at Mountain High Landscape Photography Workshops; a pdf document

Shadows, Silhouettes, and Reflections:

1. Showcase of Beautiful Shadow Photography by David Brosche at Smashing Magazine; just pictures of shadows and silhouettes
2. Using Shadows to Enhance Your Compositions by Elizabeth Anderson at photoble; short article with photos
3. Judicious Use of Shadows in Creative Composition at Cyber College; lots of picture
4. Underwater Photography Silhouettes by Scott Gietler at Underwater Photography Guide
5. How to Photograph Silhouettes in 8 Easy Steps by Darrin Rouse at Digital Photography School; short article with 3 examples.
6. 50 High Quality Examples of Silhouette Photography by Prakesh Godke at noupe; just photos.
7. Create and Enhance Your Images with Reflections at kirpi.it
8. Photo: Idea: Reflection, Shadow, & Composition; by Hansol Kim at Pinterest; just photos for reflections, shadows, and silhouettes.
9. 44 Impressive Examples of Reflection Photography by Bhanu Ahluwalia at noupe
10. 30 Shadow Photographs at Digital Picture Zone

Golden Hour/Blue Hour:

1. Golden Hour Photography at dpreview; short article with lots of pictures.
2. Golden Hour by Mark Wallace at SnapFactory; 11.5 minute video
3. Golden Hour (Photography)) at Wikipedia
4. BlueHoursite.com - a whole web site dedicated to the "blue hour".
5. How to Photograph the Blue Hours with Amazing Results at Light Stalking; short article with pictures

Sunrise/Sunset:

1. Perfect Sunset Composition-How I Did It by Darrin Rouse at Digital Photography School; a somewhat techical article on finding perfect times for sunset locations
2. How to Take Great Photographs of Sunsets at New York Institute of Photography; fairly lengthy article on sunset photography
3. How to shoot heavenly sunrises and sunsets anywhere by Jeff Wignall at Adorma.com; short article with pictures
4. 7 Steps to Perfect Sunset & Sunrise Photos at Yank's Photo School; short article with pictures
5. Photographing the Sunrise by Suzanne Williams at Steve's Digicam

Moon (lunar photography):

1. Four Basic Tips for Photographing the Moon/ by Laura Charon at Photodoto; short article with photos
2. Moon Photography Made Simple by Peter West Carey at Digital Photography School; short article with photos
3. Keith's Moon Photography at ; includes charts and tables, for film cameras as well as digital

Project 52, Week 27, Reflection

Let's reflect on composition this week and compose photographs using reflections.  Reflections are images of an object, or group of objects, reflected on another surface.  "Reflection photography is the art or technique of using reflective surfaces to capture beautiful and unique images."  Bright Hub

There are many different types of reflections.  Reflections can be subtle so that the reflected image is barely visible or can be mirror images where it is difficult to distinguish the reflection from the actual object.  Reflections can add depth, dimension, and drama to ordinary photographs.

Things to Consider:

• When considering subjects to compose with a reflection, don't just think of waterscapes.  To note just a few other objects which reflect images: buildings with shiny surfaces, windows, metallic Christmas tree ornaments, gleaming pots and pans, puddles, rain drops, shiny jewelry, sunglasses, and mirrors (of course).
• Mornings are the best times for capturing reflections.  Late afternoons are second best.
• A wider depth-of-field works best for most reflection pictures.
• Use a low angle when shooting reflections on water for better results. 
• Don't forget to move up, down, left, right and all around to catch the best reflection.
• The reflection itself may be the primary focus of the photograph with the actual subject remaining outside the frame.
• Just like you watch the background when composing your shots, make sure the reflection doesn't have intrusive objects ruining your composition.
• Reflection is a type of repetition which we will cover in the week of September 16th.
• Some reflections create symmetric compositions.
• Polarizing filters remove reflections from non-metallic surfaces.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Quick Tip - 4 Steps to Remarkable Reflection Photography by Simon Bray at phototuts+; a short article with four different examples 
2. How to photograph water reflections at SLR Photography Guide; a few good tips on taking better reflection photographs; include photographic examples with camera settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speeds, etc) 
3. Top Reflection Photography Tips by at ePHOTOzine; 8 short tips.
4. 100+ Creative Examples of Relections in Photography by Josh Johnson at phototuts+; short article with over 100 pictures
5. Adding Reflections to Make Photographs Incredible at Jeff Dexheimer Photography; very short 3 paragraph article with 3 photos.
6. Reflection Pictures at BetterPhoto.com; 47 pages of reflection pictures
7. Create and Enhance Your Images with Reflections at kirpi.it; very short article with 15 examples of interesting composition
8. Louis Barton's Dallas Skyline at NYIP.com; short article on NYIP student who sold over $250,000 worth of prints of one reflection photo.
9. Raindrops Reflection by Linday Adler Photography ; 10 minute YouTube video; step by step instructional video on macro photography
10. Avoiding Flash Reflections in Eyeglasses by Mark Wallace; 7.5 minute YouTube video from Adorama Photography TV

$50 off Kelby Training - this weekend only!

Scott Kelby is offering a $50 discount on annual subscriptions to his online training.  It's this weekend only - the deal ends July 1, 2012 at midnight (ET).  Go to the Scott Kelby Photoshop Insider blog to get the discount code.

You can view the course listings at Kelby Training.  They offer a free 24 hour test drive so you can 'try it before you buy it', but it's only for a limited number of people per day and as I write this there are only 21 spots left for today.  (Before I finished writing this post, it was down to 0.  Try again tomorrow.)

I took advantage of a similar offer last Christmas so I can and do recommend these classes.  The site itself has a few minor flaws and the class contents are of varying usefulness, but you should be able to get your money's worth and more.

Pros:

• Dozens of classes (Adobe Flash videos) to choose from on many different photography topics and you can watch them all (if you have the time).  Subjects include basic photography, lighting, studio lighting, Photoshop, composition, exposure, wedding photography, wildlife photography, car photography, using the web (Flikr, Wordpress, selling your photos online, etc), fashion photography, sports photography, business/legal, DSLR video, video production, etc, etc, etc.
• Over 50 experienced, well known instructors and photographers including Scott Kelby,  Joe McNally, Rick Sammon, Janine Warner, Moose Peterson, Bill Fortney, etc, etc, etc.  Some are better than others in my opinion, but I know from experience that my opinion and yours will differ somewhere and you may prefer the ones I don't like - which is one of the good things about having so many instructors to choose from.
• New classes added frequently. 
• 24/7 access (when it works).  You can watch, rewind, watch again, or watch later.  This is convenient if you don't have time to sit and watch a whole class   The classes I've viewed have been in 5 - 30 minutes segments so I watch them as I can.  The shortest class I've taken was about a half hour long, I think the longest was about 3 hours.
• Cost - Reasonable for the amount and quality of content.  I'm not sure exactly how many classes there are and how many hours of training, but I saw an estimate that the classes are about 50 cents each with the discount.  And they add new classes frequently.

Cons:

• Few, if any, handouts or takeaways (except for the knowledge you've gained) so you have to take your own notes.  Once your subscription expires you no longer have access to the vids.
• Occasionally the videos will freeze, sometimes for an unacceptably long time.  Once in a while they don't play at all. 
• The site maintains a history of classes you access, but doesn't indicate if you finished them or not.  There's no way to remove classes you started, but decided not to finish so they clutter up the history list.
•  It can be difficult to tell where I've left off in a class - though it does seem to pick up somewhere in the last segment I watched for each class.
• No interaction with other participants or the instructors.

(I don't get any compensation from anyone or any organization for this review.)

Other Reviews:
A Review of Online Training from Kelbytraining.com
Kelby Training Online App Review
Kelby Training a Review
Review of Kelby Training
Kelby Training Review

Photoville - Brooklyn, NY

I'm a little late with this post, but if you're in the Brooklyn, NY area this weekend check it out.

PHOTOVILLE is a new Brooklyn-based photo destination - a veritable village of freight containers transformed into temporary exhibition spaces, taking place this summer from June 22 to July 1, 2012.

Photoville will feature a feisty mix of exhibitions, lectures, hands-on workshops, nighttime projections, a photo dog run, a camera greenhouse, and a summer beer-garden with food trucks that will create a photography destination like no other.

Occupying more than 60,000 sq. feet in the heart of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Photoville will be located on the uplands of Pier 3, along the Brooklyn Waterfront between DUMBO and Atlantic Avenue.   


PHOTOVILLE
FAQs
artdaily.org
NY Daily News
Time LightBox

Project 52, Week 26, Your Perspective

This week marks the halfway point for our Project 52 so let's do something a little different.  This week's project is two-fold.

1) THINK ABOUT YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON PHOTOGRAPHY

Answer the following questions.  There are no right or wrong answers.  It's all about how you view photography.

• What does photography mean to me? 
• Where do I want it to take me?   (physically, financially, emotionally)
• How do I get there? 

If you're so inclined, jot down the answers, write an essay, blog about your photography perspective, discuss your feelings on the topic with your family or with fellow photographers, or whatever lights your shots.

Suggested Readings/Examples:

1. Photography: My Perspective by Kenny Webster
2. Shutter Happens Photography by Mark David Zahn
3. Life After Graduation the Entrepreneurial Artist by Emmanual A. Garnor at The H.O.P.E. Scholarship
4. Philosophy of Photography by Vince Wallace at Learn and Master Photography; longer article 
5. Creating Promotional Material at New York Folklore Society; pdf file on creating different types of promotional material for professional artists

What we see depends mainly on what we look for.

... John Lubbock

 

2) COMPOSE ONE OR MORE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE 

You might title part 2 of the project "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."  Or perhaps "My eyes see what my heart feels" or "My eyes see what my mind believes".   I once met an old man who was looking at a brick smokestack on the Ball State University campus in Muncie, Indiana.  He said "Most people think that thing is ugly, but I see the beauty in it."  And from then on, so did I.  See if you can compose a photo that conveys your perspective to the viewer.


Here are just a few suggestions for this project:

Find a frequently photographed object in your neighborhood, town, or state and compose several photos of it from your perspective.   Try to tell the story of how you feel when you look at that object.  Do you find it boring, ugly, beautiful, interesting?  Take several photos from different points of view.  Do any of the different views change how you usually see that subject?

Take photographs from someone else's perspective.  Remember how you viewed things as a child or a teenager.  Or consider how an older person might perceive an object or a view or a situation.  Or a person of the opposite sex.  Or from another country.  

Take a trip to your backyard, neighborhood, downtown, a local festival, a state park, anywhere your heart leads you, and take pictures based on your perspective of life and your surroundings.  Don't try to copy another photographer's style.  Don't try to please other people.  This is all about YOU.  (So treat yourself to some ice cream or a nice dinner while you're out.) 

Suggested Photographic Examples and Readings:

1. Project 365 from My Perspective by Heather Sharpe; photographs
2. Perspective Is Everything by Jean-Marie Le Pen at Duck Cove Photography; article
3. Challenge My Perspective at Inspire Believe Embrace; article and photographs
4. The World from My Perspective; photographs
5. Grass by Jennifer Eden at View from Eden; photographs
6. My Perspective by Dan Eidsmore and My Perspective Along the Way by Jassman-Foster Photography at Blurb.com; self published photobooks
7. ADAY Project by Katherine Gray at Tecca; article about a project involving people from all over the world taking pictures from their unique perspectives on one day of the year, May 15th.  See 100 of the photographs at ADAY.org

Too often in life we pass by important things.

Let's pause, change perspective and see things more clearly

Sergio da Silva, from the book "Water, Mirror of the World"

How to Photograph Fireworks

I thought I would post a few links to tutorials on photographing fireworks as our local Freedom Festival and fireworks display will be this weekend.  It is always held the weekend before the Independence Day holiday.

1. Photograph Fireworks at Wired
2. How to Photograph Fireworks by Steve Brookwood; 4 minute YouTube video.
3. Photographing Fireworks, Step by Step by Dave Johnson at PCWorld
4. How to Photograph Fireworks and Photographing Fireworks in Your Backyard from New York Institute of Photography (NYIP)
5. How to Photograph Fireworks Displays by Darrin Rouse and Neutral Density Filter Fireworks Photography by Tom Bricker at Digital Photography School
6. Photographing Fireworks by Geoff Lawrence, includes section on Photoshop
7. Photographing Fireworks at Garry Black photography - article on using a film camera for fireworks photography
8. How to Photograph Fireworks; from Y Tech (Yahoo!), includes paragraph with tips for using your camera phone
9. Photographing Fireworks at Kodak; for the casual photographer
10. How to Photograph Fireworks 8 minute YouTube video from Fro Knows Photo

Project 52, Week 25, Landscape vs Portrait

This week's project has us looking at the orientation of our compositions.  Does the scene look better with a vertical format or with a horizontal format?

Horizontal = Landscape orientation = a scene that is more wide than tall
Vertical= Portrait orientation = a scene that is more tall than wide

Things to consider:

• Although a horizontal orientation is called "landscape format", it does not mean that a landscape scene can not be composed with a vertical format.  Nor does a portrait have to be in "portrait format".
• Group portraits are usually better in a horizontal format.
• Generally speaking, formal portraits of individuals are composed in a vertical/portrait orientation, while horizontally formatted portraits are considered more informal. 
• Landscapes in a horizontal format look more natural to the viewer as that is the way the human eye normally views the world.  But that doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best way to compose your photograph.
• Sometimes you can improve a horizontal composition with cropping to create a vertically formatted scene.
• The best time to shoot horizontally is right after you shoot vertically.  (Bryan  F Peterson)
• Remember the Rule of Thirds (and other Golden Rules) can apply to either format.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Shoot portrait or landscape format by Phil McDermott; short article illustrated with the same scene formatted three ways.  
2. Vertical and Horizontal at Naturography; one scene shot both vertically and horizontally with a very short article on why to shoot both
3. Is Portrait Formatting Always Best for Portraits  by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; a short article
4. How to properly hold a DSLR camera at Improve Photography; a short article on the proper way to hold your camera for vertical and horizontal shots. 
5. The Art of Using Aspect Ratios in Digital Photography by Andrew Gibson at Photo tuts+ 

Free Harvard Photography Course

The Harvard Extension School offers a free on-line photography course, Computer Science E-7 Exposing Digital Photography.  It is a one semester course taught by Dan Armendariz at Harvard in 2011 and includes videos of the actual lectures with pdf slides, projects, and problem sets.

• This is opencourseware.  You don't get any college credits for this course - but you don't have to hand in assignments and show up every week either. 
• Each lecture is about 60 - 100 minutes long (mostly 100) and is fast paced. The instructor talks rather rapidly, but enunciates clearly.
• There is no required textbook for this course. 
• The problem sets are questions like you would find at the end of a chapter in a textbook.  Solutions to the problem sets are not available, but you can join the course's Google Group to ask questions and discuss the course. 
• Unlike some opencourseware sites, access to the videos, slides, projects, problem sets, and syllabus is easy. 
• You can find additional resources and information at the course page.

The website says:

"The course strives to offer students a more thorough understanding of digital photography through an exploration of technical, rather than strictly artistic, details. With a better understanding of the limitations and compromises behind digital photography, students will be better prepared for unexpected and dynamic photographic situations."

"If you'd like to take this course for real (on Harvard's campus or via the Internet) in order to receive feedback on work, grades, and a transcript, the course will next be offered through Harvard Extension School in Fall 2012. You can register online in August 2012."

Project 52, Week 24, Space

The project for this week is space - the area between the frame of your photograph. 

Things to consider:

Negative/Positive space:

"Positive space" is the main subject (other shapes and forms in the scene are considered by some to be part of the positive space).
"Negative space" is the relatively empty space around your subject. 

• The negative in negative space doesn't mean undesirable. 
• A negative space can help create a mood. 
• It can draw attention to the main subject, giving a small subject more importance.  
• Your main subject may be the relatively empty space (such as the sky or a lake.)
• You can eliminate too much negative space by cropping the scene - either pre- or post- production.

Active/Dead space:

• It's better to put more space in front of a moving subject.  For example, a flying bird, racing horse, or running man need room to move.  Put enough space between the subject and the edge of the scene that the moving object doesn't look like it's going to "run into a wall" or out of the picture.  This space in front of the subject is sometimes referred to as "active space".
• But then again, you may want to leave room behind the subject to see where it has been.  The space behind a subject is sometimes referred to as "dead space".
• Active space can also be used for stationary objects. For example, if the subject is looking right, there should be more space to the right of the subject. 

Other things:  

• The right space can make your photo more dynamic.
• Consider the Rule of Thirds when using space to compose your photos.
• Astrophotographers specialize in photographing space.
• Compose your picture before you shoot it.  Consider the best use of space in your composition.
• As always, nothing is absolute.
• Sometimes it is better to surround the subject with negative space.  Sometimes it is better to "fill the frame" with the subject. 
• Sometimes it is better to have space in front of a subject, other times the space should be behind the focal point.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Negative Space by Gaurav Dimri at Photography Made Easy; medium sized article
2. Negative Space in Photography Composition/ by Ron Bigelow at Picture Correct; a short, but informative, article
3. Understanding and Using Negative Space in Photography at Photography Mad; very short article with good examples
4. A Primer on Positive and Negative Space by Michael Falks from Apogee Photo; a two-part tutorial
5. Composition in Photography - Free Space on Moving Object at Exposure Photo Gallery; examples of leaving enough space in front of moving subjects
6. Leaving Space Behind Moving Subjects by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; short article with good examples of leaving space behind moving subjects
7. How to Photograph Space Yourself by astronomer Mark Thompson from BBC; a 5 minute YouTube tutorial on photographing stars
8. Astrophotography by Jerry Lodriguss; an entire website on taking pictures of space

Free Webinar from National Geographic and PhotoShelter

In case you're interested, PhotoShelter will have a free webinar on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT:

What Photo Buyers Want: National Geographic's Senior Photo Editor, Elizabeth Krist 

"Simply put, National Geographic has the kind of photography that makes your jaw drop. This award-winning magazine is revered for its striking images from all corners of the world, and for that reason photographers dream of getting hired to shoot a featured story.

In this live webinar with National Geographic, Senior Photo Editor Elizabeth Krist will share what kind of photography grabs her attention, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how she and her colleagues closely work with photographers to take the issue’s photos from inception to completion. Elizabeth will also discuss:

*How the magazine’s content dictates what photography will be commissioned vs. picked up.
*The standout quality that makes photographers most valuable to the magazine.
*What it’s really like to work as a freelance photographer with the photo department.
*And more!"
You can register here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/632256098.  It's free but space is limited.

(I'm not associated with Photoshelter in any way.  I'm just passing on this information because it sounds interesting - unfortunately, I won't be able to attend but I hope they have it available it later on their website, http://www.photoshelter.com/.  If you haven't visited them, they have lots of down loadable free guides "packed with tips to grow your photography business".  They request your email address, but they aren't obnoxious about the number of emails they send.)

Project 52, Week 23, Point of View and Camera Angle

Point of view: Point of view (or view point) refers to your position relative to the main subject when composing a photograph.  Are you above it, over it, under it, looking up at it, looking down at it, or at the subject's level.

• Eye Level View = Viewing a subject from your eye level
• Bird's Eye View = Looking down on a subject like you are a bird flying over; also called "Airplane View" or "High Viewpoint"
• Worm's Eye View = Looking up at a subject like you are a worm on the ground; also called "Ant's Eye View" or "Low Viewpoint"

Camera Angle:
Camera angle refers to the angle of the camera.  Is it pointing down, pointing up, or level.

• High camera angle = Pointing the camera down
• Low camera angle = Pointing the camera up
• Tilted camera angle = Holding the camera at an angle (also called slanted angle, Dutch tilt, Dutch angle, German angle, oblique angle, canted angle, and Batman angle)

 Things to consider:

• You can mix and match view points and camera angles. 
• Shooting up (from the base of a subject, or under the subject) can make the subject look taller, more imposing, and more powerful, or it may just be an interesting perspective.
• Shooting down (from above, or directly over, the subject) can diminish the subject making it look smaller and less significant. or it may just be an interesting perspective.
• Getting down to a child's level or a pet's level makes a more personal photograph.
• Changing your point of view may get you that "Wow!" shot while everybody else's photo looks like everybody else's.
• When shooting a subject that cannot be moved, you may be able to avoid (or at least diminish) a distracting background by changing your point of view and/or camera angle.
• A collection of photos of the same subject taken from different view points and camera angles may help tell the whole story.
• Think twice before using a titled camera angle or viewpoint - it may not be as cute as you think it is.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Creating Dramatic Viewpoints and Camera Angles by Alan Peterson at Photostockplus.com
2. Point of View by Liz Masoner at About.com Photography; a short article explaining point of view
3. Photography Tips for Composition Point of View/ by Natalie at The Shady Acre Blog; good examples of taking photos of children from their level
4. Selecting a Point of View by Don Peters at B&H Photo; good examples of different points of view
5. High and Low Camera Angles/ at Fodor's Travel Photography; short article with photos
6. The Best Camera Angle for Taking Food Photos and  The Smart Food Photographers Guide to Choosing the Best Camera Angle from Learn Food Photography and Food Styling; short articles with diagrams and photos.
7. Spice Up Your Shots With Unusual Camera Angles by Kristine Hojilla at photopoly.com; good photographic examples
8. Dutch Tilt for Dramatic Effect in Photography/ from You Didn't Did You; 1 photograph
9. The Dutch Tilt  by Michael the Mentor; 1 minute YouTube video
10. Choosing the Best Camera Angles Tip from Silber Studios with Eric Gould; 7 minute YouTube video on camera angles and positions for people pictures

Project 12, Month 6, Perspective

Here we are at the half way mark for this year long monthly project.  This month's topic is perspective. Perspective has two meanings in photography:

1. How you see ("interpret") the scene  (and how the viewer of your photograph sees it)
2. The relationship of objects in the scene to each other and to the scene as a whole.  (relationship = relative position, size, scale, and space between the objects)

Things to Consider:

• Changing your perspective of a photograph can change the viewer's perspective.
• Get up and get down.  Move up, down, left, right, and all around before you take that photo.  Get that unique perspective on a subject that others missed. 
• Viewpoint is the position of the camera in relation to the subject.  For example, a bird's eye view is taken from above like you were a bird flying over the subject while  a worm's eye view is taken from the perspective of a worm on the ground.
• Angle of view/point of view is the position of the camera, tilted up or down.  For example, if you stand at the base of the tree and point your camera up, you have a low camera angle; if you stand at the top of a stairs and point the camera down, you have a high camera angle.
• Orientation: Horizontal (aka Landscape) vs Vertical (aka Portrait) perspective.  Some scenes lend themselves more to a vertical than a horizontal perspective while others are more horizontal than vertical and some to either.  Don't miss the shot - take both views and decide later. 

A good photograph is knowing where to stand....Ansel Adams

Suggested Reading and Photographic Examples:

1. Photographic Composition - Change Your Perspective at Valerie Hayken photography & Design; a short article with several examples
2. What is Perspective by Artistechbooks; 2.5 minute lecture type YouTube video explaining Perspective as it relates to all art forms
3. Find a Unique Perspective by Curtis Date at the Digital Photo Coach; short articles with interesting examples.
4. Distinctive Perspectives by Jim Zuckerman at mac-on-campus; short article with good examples.
5. Composition Part III Perspective by Wendy Folse at photoinf; medium sized article with a few photos.
6. Perspective in Photography at Digital Photography Tips on Line; a short article, no photos.
7. Playing with Perspective and Spice Up Your Shots with Unusual Camera Angles by Kristine Johilla at photo poly; short articles with good examples. 
8. Perspective, Depth, and Scale by Jerry Monkman at Monkman Photo; 2.5 minute video with short article and examples
9. Perspective from the NAVY photography training manual at photoinf; short article explaining different types of perspective
10. 88 Brilliant Examples of Forced Perspective Photography by Daniel Adams at instantshift; interesting, (but IMO not necessarily brilliant), photos; "Forced perspective" is an optical illusion that makes objects appear closer or further away in relation to other objects in the scene.