When I'm exploring the world with my camera, there are two shots I try to capture. First, the standard composition. You know, the one that initially caught my eye. Many times, that's the image I like.

But then, I remind myself to compose a second version. This time with a low camera angle. And there are times when this is the image I love.

Low camera angles tend to increase drama with your foreground subject. My favorite versions have an object that I find visually interesting that I can work with, something to build the shot around. This can be particularly fun with a wide angle lens.

The background completely changes from this angle. In this shot, for example, I was able to include lots of morning sky and the moon. The standard framing had sand, ocean, and just a bit of sky - very different.

Cameras with flip-up LCDs make this task easier. That way I can get the framing as low as I want, compose the picture, and make adjustments without sacrificing my knees in the process.

Sometimes I use HDR to manage the wide tonal disparities. Other times I let the foreground subject go dark. It just depends on the mood I want.

Either way, remembering to add a few low angle compositions to the shoots has increased my keepers, and has often transformed ordinary subjects into something special.

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.