Forced perspective photography is an approach that is achieved by using optical illusions to make a subject appear to be a different distance from the viewer than it actually is. It can be used to Make some pretty unusual (and often comedic) effects.
Here I will be explaining some great approaches to doing forced perspective photography.
As I mentioned at the start of this article, it is possible to deceive the viewer by using perspective. Think about a diamond. Everyone knows that with diamonds, size is the most obvious thing we look at to work out their value. Clarity and cut are slightly less important factors. If you see a picture of a diamond, a reference point is required to get an idea of its size. We can manipulate photos so that the viewer sees the diamond and the other object as being completely different sizes, or exactly the same size.
So we've all seen the usual 'holding a landmark', 'leaning on a landmark', 'holding the sun' types of pictures, but how can we get some more interesting photos using this technique?
Below are three methods to get forced perspective pictures. Everything else is completely your choice - ride the wave of creativity for as long as possible until you are completely out of ideas!
Size Changing Forced Perspective Shots
A size altering forced perspective shot is all down to manipulating the depth of field, distance and the line of sight. You start off by choosing the subject that you want to appear smaller. You would position this object further away from the camera than the subject you want to make seem bigger. The distance from the camera of these two subjects will determine their difference in size. Obviously more space is required for bigger differences in size between the two objects. It's therefore a good idea to do this kind of photography outdoors.
Try using a wide angle lens, around 35mm, or 24mm. Use a large F-stop. The distance between the two subjects will determine exactly what F-Stop number works best. You need to use a setting that allows you to get both objects in focus.
A good tip if your camera doesn't have a manual focus function is to set the autofocus to 1/3rd beyond the closer of the two subjects. You would do this because the depth of field is one third in front of the focal point and two thirds behind the focal point.
Once you've found the most suitable focus, the next step is to spend some time lining up the two subjects and decide your own position - the overall alignment of the photo. Let's say you are taking a shot where the first subject is a person and he or she has a hand on the other subject. For such a photo you would need to take some time getting the alignment as good as possible. You may also have to take many shots to get the best picture. It is recommended that you use a tripod to cut out movement or a changing position of the camera. Think about gaps and overlaps between the two subjects. You need to spend time getting everything perfect. Think about how many failed attempts you've seen at this type of photography - more than you care to remember no doubt.
Gravity Defying Forced Perspective Photography
This technique can be achieved quite easily, by simply turning the camera on one side or upside down. Ask the person you're shooting to lie on the ground and put their feet against a wall, to look as though the ground is a wall that the subject is leaning against. You could also have the model lean out from windows or doorways, to make it look as though he or she is hanging out from them. You have to be aware of the direction in which clothes and hair hangs. You could have the subject try wearing a hat, or tuck his or her T-shirt onto the jeans. It also helps to wear clothing that fits a little tighter than normal.
Another point to remember with this approach is that when turning your camera on its side, you need to make sure it is perfectly aligned at 90 degrees or 180 degrees with the horizon or the edges of the building and ground so that the illusion works properly.
Merged Subject Forced Perspective Photography
Recently you may have seen a growing trend in showing old photos of a place being held in front of a modern-day picture of that same place. This is referred to as merged subjects. What you have to do is to get the old picture to line up with the angles and edges of things in the actual place in reality. You'll be holding the old picture pretty close to the camera, so you'll need a large F-stop with a wide angle lens in order to get the two pictures in focus.
So there we have it - I hope that reading this has provided you with a range of helpful techniques and helped you to understand the fundamentals to be able to step outside and start getting some great shots by using perspective, so step outside when you can and have fun with it!
Here I will be explaining some great approaches to doing forced perspective photography.
As I mentioned at the start of this article, it is possible to deceive the viewer by using perspective. Think about a diamond. Everyone knows that with diamonds, size is the most obvious thing we look at to work out their value. Clarity and cut are slightly less important factors. If you see a picture of a diamond, a reference point is required to get an idea of its size. We can manipulate photos so that the viewer sees the diamond and the other object as being completely different sizes, or exactly the same size.
So we've all seen the usual 'holding a landmark', 'leaning on a landmark', 'holding the sun' types of pictures, but how can we get some more interesting photos using this technique?
Below are three methods to get forced perspective pictures. Everything else is completely your choice - ride the wave of creativity for as long as possible until you are completely out of ideas!
Size Changing Forced Perspective Shots
A size altering forced perspective shot is all down to manipulating the depth of field, distance and the line of sight. You start off by choosing the subject that you want to appear smaller. You would position this object further away from the camera than the subject you want to make seem bigger. The distance from the camera of these two subjects will determine their difference in size. Obviously more space is required for bigger differences in size between the two objects. It's therefore a good idea to do this kind of photography outdoors.
Try using a wide angle lens, around 35mm, or 24mm. Use a large F-stop. The distance between the two subjects will determine exactly what F-Stop number works best. You need to use a setting that allows you to get both objects in focus.
A good tip if your camera doesn't have a manual focus function is to set the autofocus to 1/3rd beyond the closer of the two subjects. You would do this because the depth of field is one third in front of the focal point and two thirds behind the focal point.
Once you've found the most suitable focus, the next step is to spend some time lining up the two subjects and decide your own position - the overall alignment of the photo. Let's say you are taking a shot where the first subject is a person and he or she has a hand on the other subject. For such a photo you would need to take some time getting the alignment as good as possible. You may also have to take many shots to get the best picture. It is recommended that you use a tripod to cut out movement or a changing position of the camera. Think about gaps and overlaps between the two subjects. You need to spend time getting everything perfect. Think about how many failed attempts you've seen at this type of photography - more than you care to remember no doubt.
Gravity Defying Forced Perspective Photography
This technique can be achieved quite easily, by simply turning the camera on one side or upside down. Ask the person you're shooting to lie on the ground and put their feet against a wall, to look as though the ground is a wall that the subject is leaning against. You could also have the model lean out from windows or doorways, to make it look as though he or she is hanging out from them. You have to be aware of the direction in which clothes and hair hangs. You could have the subject try wearing a hat, or tuck his or her T-shirt onto the jeans. It also helps to wear clothing that fits a little tighter than normal.
Another point to remember with this approach is that when turning your camera on its side, you need to make sure it is perfectly aligned at 90 degrees or 180 degrees with the horizon or the edges of the building and ground so that the illusion works properly.
Merged Subject Forced Perspective Photography
Recently you may have seen a growing trend in showing old photos of a place being held in front of a modern-day picture of that same place. This is referred to as merged subjects. What you have to do is to get the old picture to line up with the angles and edges of things in the actual place in reality. You'll be holding the old picture pretty close to the camera, so you'll need a large F-stop with a wide angle lens in order to get the two pictures in focus.
So there we have it - I hope that reading this has provided you with a range of helpful techniques and helped you to understand the fundamentals to be able to step outside and start getting some great shots by using perspective, so step outside when you can and have fun with it!
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Now that you understand how to use these techniques feel free to have a look at more awesome techniques that will enable you to take your photography skills to the next level right now.
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