This is part 14 of 19 in the Storefront Photography Series. Click/tap here to see the Series Index.
Maps users, including you and me, usually look at a photo for only a split second before moving on to look at the next photos. With this in mind, we should try to make the perspective in our storefront photos as simple and quick to read as possible.
The perspective depends on where we take the photo from. In the illustration below you can see how the shape of the storefront changes depending on where the camera is positioned relative to the storefront. From over, from medium height, or from below. And from the left side, directly across, or from the right side.
The center image (#1) is called the “straight shot”. This is where the camera is direct across from the center of the storefront. Centered both vertically and horizontally. Notice how all 4 corners are exactly 90 degrees right angles. And the distances to all four corners of the storefront are exactly the same. When Maps users see a straight shot like this the perspective is super fast and easy for the human brain to read and understand. So #1 is the Golden Perspective. I recommend you use the Golden Perspective to make straight shots when feasible.
If you can not make the straight shot (maybe you are not tall enough to reach the height = 50% of the storefront height) or maybe there is a distraction you want to avoid), then aim for the #2 perspective. This is taken from the left of the store. Left is best because the initial letters in the store name will be the tallest. This makes it easier to read. In areas where text is read from right to left, then perspective #3 is the second-best perspective.
Where the side shots (#2 and #3) at 50% storefront height are not possible, your need to resort to perspective #4. The perspectives marked with “Never” should always be avoided. Remember Maps users can see 10 images per second or more, so there is no time to make sense of such complicated perspectives.
In Prevent leaning storefronts sides you can find some tricks to get straighter shots even when #4 is your only option. And How to fix perspective errors explains how the transform tool in Google Photos can be used to compensate for leaning lines. Again to get a straighter shot.
Sometimes a side shot (#2 and #3) can be very attractive also, so I would not recommend you always aim for straight shots. Sometimes distractions make the straight shot less desirable, or your reflection can be seen in the frame on shiny surfaces that act as a mirror. Then I go for a side shot.
Happy shooting
Morten
PS: Next week: Avoiding duplicates and similar pics