Activity: Take a bird's (or a bug's) eye view

If you've ever tried to get a good selfie, you understand that the angle of your camera lens makes a big difference in the way your picture looks. Turn the camera in one direction and you get yourself and your friend in the photo, but hold the camera further away and you also get a view of the snowman you built.

It is natural for us to look at our world from a 'normal' standing position, and it is easy to take photos in the same way. But what does the world look like from a different point of view? What does a bug see? What does a bird see? You can create photos from these different points of view!

Taking photos from a different viewpoint can make a subject more interesting, transforming the composition of the photo into something new that can catch someone's attention.

Try this activity to practice looking at things differently from a new perspective.

What you'll need:

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Camera (cellphone or other)

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Something to photograph in a safe space

Take two or three photos in each of the positions described below:

1. Lie on your stomach. Look at things from the ground level.

2. Lie on your back. Look up for clouds, buildings, trees, birds and planes.

3. Bend sideways. Slant the horizon for an alternate viewpoint.

4. Lean over. Look down at your feet or down from a second-floor window.

After you've taken the photos, compare the different versions you took and identify any differences between the photos. What makes each one unique?

The Bird's (or Bug's) Eye View activity is used with permission from National 4-H Council. Additional activities available at 4-h.org/about/4-h-at-home/

Did you know? If you like taking photos, you may want to join 4-Hand the 4-H Camera Corps. Photography is one of the most popular project areas for Linn County 4-H'ers. Youth get to work on developing photography skills while taking photos throughout the year. They then display photos at the Linn County Fair to be judged. Some even advance to the Iowa State Fair. To get your child involved in fun learning opportunities, check out Clover Kids (grades K-3), 4-H (grades 4-12), Lego Teams, and hands-on educational kits for checkout at extension.iastate.edu/linn/4h.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Linn County helps build a strong Iowa by engaging Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges. The 4-H Youth Development program empowers youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences. Linn County Extension Office website: www.extension.iastate.edu/linn