Photography tips from an amateur:
In this situation, it often works best to get the camera angle from the "ground level" as if you were standing in the scene yourself looking at the subject. So, camera at the level of the pot, looking up at the vicious dragon, or menacing tree creature.
Dramatic lighting helps. Stark shadows, background lit separately to match the ominous sky, maybe some colored lights if you have them. Use household lamps with directed blinds (maybe tinfoil and cardboard) or desk lamps to to play with multiple lighting directions.
More difficult to do with phone cameras and their autofocus, but leaving all but the subject of the action in a softer focus or even blurred a little can add a sense of drama.
Loving it all so far, though.