Forced perspective is a prominent photography technique. It makes use of optical illusion to make objects in an image appear smaller, larger, closer to, or further away from the camera than their relative position or actual size. Forced perspective photography utilizes the vantage point of the viewer or camera, as well as the position of the objects in the image in order to alter human visual perception. Photographers use this technique for diverse types of photography styles, to make their subjects interact with object in fantastic ways. Most experienced photography professionals like Bruce Weber Photographer are well acquainted with this style.
Bruce Weber Photographer offers a general overview on forced perspective photography
There are several famous examples of forced perspective, dioramas, and the Eiffel Tower being two of the most popular ones. A diorama, a three-dimensional model, is a pretty simple form of forced perspective. It places objects on a tilted plane in the foreground and painted objects in the background. The scale of the foreground objects tends to alter visual perceptions to create a false perspective that makes those objects seem larger than the ones in the background. It is common to find photos of tourists that seem like they are stepping on a tall structure like the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Eiffel Tower. Basically, placing the person close to the camera and having the structure at a distance accomplishes the effect of a miniature tower and a giant-sized person.
Forced perspective photos need proper, preliminary planning. The photographers need to carefully consider the composition of their perspective shots, and subsequently place their subjects in an appropriate position within the field of view. In most cases, the rule of thirds that divides the image into nine equal sections is used for composing such images. More than anything else, emphasis has to be provided on placement, lighting, and focus when it comes to forced perspective photography.
The simplest way to achieve forced perspective is through the position of the subjects in the field of view of the photographer. Opting to place an object further away or closer to the camera would aid them to seem smaller or larger. Keeping all the subjects in the field of view in focus is also an important aspect of forced perspective photos. Photographers are likely to get gain greater depth of field with a narrow aperture like f/16. More light or an increase in ISO is needed for a small aperture. A wide lens can prove to be useful for enjoying a more expansive vista and getting closer to the subject without cropping the background. Any focal length under thirty-five millimeters shall be a wide-angle lens. The shutter speed of the camera must additionally be the same or larger than the focal length of the lens to avoid shaky images.
Forced perspective photography is a good way to expand creativity and showcase a unique point of view. There are many other ways to take creative and interesting photographs as well. To gain more photography inspiration, people can always check out the works of Bruce Weber Photographer and other professionals.