- John's Pro-Photo Tips -
Perspective
What is perspective?
Perspective in the art of photography, creates the illusion of a 3-D image on a flat or 2-D plain. In other words, it refers to the relationship of objects or people within your image and the space between them to create the impression of distance.
Although working on a 2-D surface, artists can create a 3-D illusion by adjusting the angle of each line.
Whereas, Photographers can create the same effect by adjusting the camera angle. Of course, the box is still photographed in 2-D. Nonetheless, the 3-D effect is still achieved.
Then by changing the angle further, as shown in Img 3, we can create a feeling of depth, even though our image still exists on a 2-D plane.
Use a Point of Focus to enhance perspective
With this in mind, let’s go a step further by using distance to create depth.
To illustrate, images 4 & 5 are enhanced with a dramatic impact by highlighting a solitary point in the distance. Then incorporating prominent lines that command the viewer’s focus.
Convergence - the negative effect of the wrong perspective
The windows in image 4 appear smaller and the sides seem to converge as the subject recedes from the camera.
Similarly, in Img 5 we see how the double lines in the road and the sides of the road appear to narrow the further away they are. In spite of the road remaining the same width. This is known as Convergence.
However, sometimes convergence can work against us.
To explain, what is wrong with the next two images? (Img 6 & 7)
Converging Verticals
Both Img 6 and Img 7 have the camera pointing upwards. Either to exclude unwanted foreground (Img 6) or to include the top of buildings (Img 7).
These images create the illusion of the buildings falling over. This is known as “Converging Verticals”.
Converging verticals can be avoided by keeping the camera level. But then, what to do if that crops the top of the building and creates excessive unwanted foreground?
Resolving converging verticals without a pro camera
On an expensive professional camera, the lens is raised while keeping the camera level (rising front). However, that’s not an option with most DSLRs. Hence, the answer is to create distance from your subject combined with a wide-angle lens.
To achieve this, we shoot from far enough away to include the top of the building in the frame. This is best achieved with a wide-angle lens, around 18-24mm. It must be remembered to keep the camera level. Even most smart phone lenses will achieve this. Then, you crop any foreground that you do not want in the frame.
Images 8 and 9 are from the same original photo, Img 9 having been cropped. Be careful not to use a lens that is too wide or the lens itself will create distortion.
Fish-Eye lenses - distorting perspective
I love this photo (Img 10) by Francesco Ungaro that shows the effect of a fish-eye lens and how that can distort or “bend” the sides of the building.
Great special effect in this shot but illustrates what a very wide angle lens can do if used in the wrong situation.
Do you have any questions around perspective? Just ask me a question.
THE FOLLOWING POSTS WERE ORIGINALLY FROM THE SAME PAGE ON MY OLD WEBSITE, WHICH IS NOW OFFLINE:
2 thoughts on “Perspective”
BELKIS GAMBLE22/03/2022 AT 5:38 AM
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ADMIN29/08/2022 AT 10:23 AM
Thank you. Your kind words are appreciated.