Yes, in addition to learning to use the perspective you want to delve into the Photographic composition and know all the tricks and tips for some of the most impressive photographs, I recommend this mega guide that we have prepared for you.
Composing an image consists of organizing the elements that make it up so that the result is a harmonious, balanced and aesthetically attractive whole. You already know some tools to improve the composition of your photographs. Today I will talk to you about a very powerful and easy to use perspective.
INSIDE THIS ARTICLE… 📖
Why is perspective important in photographic composition?
The real world is three-dimensional and our eyes see it that way because, being located in different positions, each one picks up on their retinas a slightly different image of the reality in front of them. With these small differences, the brain calculates the distance at which the elements are located. The calculation of distances is what places the visualized objects in three-dimensional space, obtaining a sensation of depth or volume. Photography, unlike the real world, is an art of only two dimensions. Still, we perceive depth in the images. Why is this happening? Well, it happens thanks to perspective, or what is the same, the visual illusion perceived by the observer and that helps him determine the depth and location of objects at different distances. Through this technique, in art and photography, a three-dimensional world is projected onto a two-dimensional surface. How is it achieved? Controlling the variation of the size of the objects or subjects of the image, superimposing them and placing lower those that are closer and higher those that are further away.
If you learn to master this technique, you will have a powerful photo composition tool that will help you achieve some really attractive images. If you want to know how, keep reading, with some basic concepts and some examples, you will learn what is necessary to look through the viewfinder of your camera with another “perspective” 😉 .
Types of perspective in photographic composition
The important thing is to know the different types of perspective that exist and that you can apply to your photographs, which is what really interests us.
linear perspective
This is a form of perspective geometry in which parallel lines are represented as converging at a point, known as the vanishing point, thus causing the illusion of depth and distance.
This type of perspective can be enhanced in two ways:
- With a wide angle: These lenses increase depth and exaggerate perspectives. Look at this example.
As you can see, in the first two cases the sensation of depth is greater, while in this last image the cars seem to be on the same plane!
aerial perspective
It is also known as atmospheric perspective and can be enhanced thanks to environmental conditions, such as rain, fog… Especially in landscapes, the most distant planes seem less clear and with bluish or grayish tones that the eye interprets as more distant , since cool colors are interpreted as further away, while warm colors are interpreted as closer.
Notice how the mountains in the foreground appear much sharper than those in the background. This effect is further enhanced by fog and rain. If you are not clear, look at the following example:
forced perspective
As its name indicates, it is the one that you can achieve by manipulating the scene. It is about making the objects or subjects appear to be in the same plane. I have already told you how to enhance perspective depending on the angle, but you can also create a composition that deceives the viewer’s eye, here is an example.
In this photograph, the boy seems to be holding the plane, the eye interprets a distance when the reality is very different. You can achieve this effect and “fool” the viewer in two ways:
- For him object size: large objects are interpreted as close while small ones are understood as far away. If you play with this effect you can achieve results like this. At first glance they look like two figures of the same size shaking hands, but this is not the case. The doll is placed in the foreground, while the girl is much further away, in this way she seems smaller, matching the size of the doll.
In this image, the position of the objects is played with, if the hand (or another part of the body) of the subject in front covered the one behind, this funny image would not be so funny, because they would not seem to be on the same plane, perhaps and how it happens.
To achieve this type of images you just have to take these two aspects into account and throw some imagination into it. Here are some examples to arouse your curiosity and, incidentally, your creativity.
Steven Guzzardi’s image of the bank is different from what I was telling you about making objects appear to be on the same plane, however it is another way of tricking the eye by playing with perspective and achieving original and fun images.
How to get the most out of perspective?
1. Use different lenses to play with depth of field. For example, to photograph a landscape you want the sensation of depth to be as great as possible, so use a small aperture, or what is the same, a high f number. To photograph people, buildings or larger objects, especially if it is at the same level, you better do the opposite, a small depth of field will blur the background making it seem more distant.
2. To achieve better images using forced perspective, I recommend using a small aperture (high f-number) so that all objects are equally in focus. Plan the scene well and take the time to achieve the most perfect image possible. You will most likely have to take several shots until you get the desired effect. And a trickShooting from as low a point of view as possible will make foreground objects appear much larger.
3. Linear perspective will be more apparent the more straight lines appear in the composition. You will not achieve this in landscape photography, where straight lines are rare, but it works very well in architectural photography. Look for converging lines, in addition to gaining depth, they will guide the viewer’s eye.
4. Shoot from as low a point as possible so the lines appear to start much further apart.
5. You can enhance the size of the objects by comparing them with others that we have a reference for, so the viewer can see how big it is. I’ll explain, in a landscape elements usually appear that give us clues about the size of what is around, a tree, an animal… However, sometimes there are no such elements that help us, but you can put them. If you want to show the immensity of a mountain, add a human figure, in this way you will also add a center of interest in the image. You can use the same in architecture structures or similar.
6. Look for different perspectives or points of view than the human eye so that your images achieve a greater impact. Give it a little imagination and “turn around” until you find an impressive image.
Perspective in photographic composition, a great tool in a small space
Well, now you have a new tool that takes up no space in your backpack and weighs even less. However, it is a very powerful tool when it comes to composing your photographs. And best of all, you don’t even need to leave home to practice! You can start right now, at home, yes, yes, don’t you believe me? Try putting someone in your family inside a cup of coffee or a shoe, lean out the window and look down (or up) through the camera viewfinder. Do tests and more tests, you know that practicing is how you really learn. Let’s go! What are you waiting for?
oh! One thing before launching, if you “like” you help us to continue writing and if you share it you will also help others to change their “perspective”. Thank you and see you soon!