To compose an image is to organize the elements that compose it so that the result is a harmonious, balanced and aesthetically attractive whole. You already know some tools to improve the composition of your photos. Today I’m going to tell you about a very powerful and easy-to-use perspective.
The real world is three-dimensional and our eyes see it that way because, being located in different positions, each captures in its retina a slightly different image of the reality in front of it. With these small differences, the brain calculates the distance. Calculating distance is what places the objects displayed in a three-dimensional space, achieving a sense of depth or volume. Photography, unlike the real world, is a single two-dimensional art. However, we perceive depth in space, images. Why does this happen ?, because it passes through 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, thanks to this technique, in art and photography. , a three-dimensional world is projected onto a two-dimensional surface. How did you get it?Control the variation in the size of objects or subjects in the image, overlay them, and place the ones closest below and the highest ones above.
- If you learn to master this technique.
- You will have a powerful composition tool that will help you to make really attractive images.
- If you want to know how you continue reading.
- With some basic concepts and some examples.
- You will learn what it takes to look through your camera’s viewer with another “perspective”?.
The important thing is to know the different types of perspectives that exist and that you can apply to your photographs, that’s what really matters to us.
Linear perspective
It is a form of perspective geometry in which parallel lines are represented by converging at a point, known as an escape point, thus causing the illusion of depth and distance.
This type of perspective can be improved in two ways:
As you can see, in the first two cases the sense 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 improved thanks to environmental conditions, such as rain, fog . . . Especially in landscapes, the farthest planes appear less sharp and with bluish or grayish tones that the eye interprets as farther away, as the cold colors are interpreted as more distant, while warm colors are closer.
Notice how the mountains in the foreground look much sharper than those in the background. This effect is much more accentuated by fog and rain. If you are not sure, look at the following example:
Forced perspective
As the name suggests, this is what you can do by manipulating the scene, it’s about making objects or subjects appear on the same plane, I’ve already told you how to improve the perspective depending on the angle, but you can also create a composition that deceives the viewer, here’s an example.
In this photograph, the child seems to hold the plane, the eye interprets the distance while the reality is very different. This effect can be achieved and “cheated” the viewer in two ways:
In this image we play with the position of the objects, if the hand (or other part of the body) of the subject in front covered the one in the back, this funny image would not be so funny, because they would not seem to be on the same plane, as it happens.
To make this type of images just take into account these two aspects and put a little imagination in them, here are some examples to arouse your curiosity and, by the way, your creativity.
Steven Guzzardi’s bank image is different from the one I was telling you about making objects appear on the same plane, but it’s another way to fool the eye by playing with perspective and making original, funny images.
1. Use different lenses to play with depth of field. For example, to photograph a landscape, you want the feeling of depth to be as much as possible, for this use a small aperture, or what is the same a high f number To photograph people, buildings or larger objects, especially if it is on the same level, it is better to do the opposite, a small depth of field will blur the background making it appear more distant.
2. For better images using forced perspective, I recommend using a small aperture (a high f number) so that all objects are also revealed. Plan the scene carefully and take the time to get the most perfect picture possible. You’ll probably have to take multiple photos until you get the desired effect. And a trick, by drawing from the lowest possible point of view, you’ll make foreground objects look much larger.
3. La perspective will become more evident the more straight lines appear in the composition. This will not be achieved in landscape photography, where straight lines are rare, but works very well in architectural photography. Look for convergent lines, as well as gaining depth, will guide the viewer’s gaze.
4. Shoot from a point as low as possible so that the lines seem to start much further away from each other.
5. Can you increase the size of the objects by comparing them with others to which we have referred, so that the viewer can see their size, let me explain, in a landscape, usually appear elements that give us clues about the size of what is around, a tree, an animal?However, sometimes these kinds of elements do not help us, but you can wear 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 of the image. You can use the same in architectural structures or the like.
6. Search for different perspectives or perspectives from the human eye so that your images have a greater impact. Give it a little imagination and “turn it” until you find an eye-catching image.
Well, you already have a new tool that doesn’t take up space in your backpack and weighs even less, however, it’s a very powerful tool when it comes to composing your photos and best of all you don’t even need to leave the house to train!You can start right now, at home, yes, yes, don’t you believe me?Try putting a family member in a cup of coffee or a shoe, lean out the window, and look down (or up) at the camera viewfinder. Take tests and other tests, you know practice is how you really learn. What are you waiting for?
Oh! One thing before you start, if you like us you help us keep writing and if you share it you will also help others change their “perspective”. Thank you and soon!