Point of view
Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 17:08 
Photo Randy Vanderveen Grande Prairie A wide view of Muskoseepi Park taken from a hot air balloon.For photographers, a change in your angle of view can pay big dividends.
This past weekend I used a hot air balloon as a platform to shoot aerials for photos for a couple of clients.
The look from above gives a completely different perspective on things.
But you don't have to be above your subject to create a different look.
You can change lenses, the distance between you and your subject, whether you shoot it from straight above or from the side.
Even changing how the light is hitting your subject — front, side, top, backlit — can provide a variety of looks.
It is usually good, if you have time to try some different views whether it is wildlife, landscapes, still life or a portrait.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to walk around your subject and take some photos from ground level or from a ladder or step stool.
A view that people don't normally see will catch the viewers' eyes.
Seeing things from a different viewpoint doesn't have to stop with photography.
It can also be applied to personal relationships. Not everything is black and white or right or wrong. In those areas by trying to see the other person's point of view it can ease some of the stress that might otherwise develop in interpersonal or business relationships.
Photo Randy Vanderveen, Grande Prairie, AB A view of the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion and pond from directly overhead, a view not seen on a regular basis even by airplane passengers as it is not on the airport's flight path.
Photo Randy Vanderveen Grande Prairie, AB An aerial view looking south of the new multiplex and aquatic centre under construction in the Swan City adjacent to the Coca Cola Centre, St. Joe's High School and the GP Gymniks. From the ground often it is difficult to see the progress being made and how it fits in to the site plan. •••
I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor?
Mother Teresa
Photo Randy Vanderveen Grande Prairie, Alberta A rabbit that has making its rounds through the neighbourhood recently. I have to admit I have been negligent in meeting neighbours as they move into the neighbourhood. It seems you talk to the ones who have lived nearby for years and perhaps wave to the newer arrivals.
Last week a rabbit sort of pulled me out of that habit. The albino bunny was hopping around the neighbourhood so I went to a couple of nearby homes I knew had kids to see if it belonged to them.
It didn't but it did provide a way of introducing myself to some of the newer arrivals. I guess now it is up to me to keep up the introductions.
By the way the rabbit is still enjoying its free reign of the neighbourhood wandering from yard to yard apparently bothered more by people who think it wants an owner than by dogs or cats in the area.
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Here is a final image for the week. 
Photo Randy Vanderveen, near Bezanson Alberta. A foal nurses on its mother in a pasture west of Bezanson. It appears the young horse didn't inherit its mother's distinctive coat.