Perspective

Proportions

The word perspective has different meanings. In the context of these photography tips we imply:

• the relative proportions between the image elements.

These proportions suggest depth in a flat plane.

Everyone knows the effect of same height trees along a road appearing to become smaller the further they are away. The road seems to narrow until the sides converge in the vanishing point on the horizon.

Movement changes Perspective

When the distance to the subject changes, the perspective also changes. You see this happen every day as soon as you are moving by walking, cycling, driving or any other means of transportation.

A Few Steps Closer

Compared to the last photograph the shrub is significantly bigger while the rockformation and the dromedaries in the background stay the same size.

Zooming Retains Perspective

By zooming you can bring an object closer. The relative proportions between the image elements do not change.

Difference Zooming – Moving

The perspective changes if the distance to the subject changes. When using zoom the perspective stays the same.

Wide Angle Lens Exaggerates Perspective

Objects seem furhter apart then they really are. This gives a sense of space. Note the enlarged headlight and the difference in size of the front and rear wheels. See also Perspective Distortion.

Telephoto Lens Compresses Perspective

In this crowd people seem to walk closer together then they really were. See also Perspective Distortion.

Wide Angle

Another example, this time using different lenses on the same subject. First a wide angle lens.

Tele

And then a telelens.