Introduction From Wikipedia: Forced perspective is a technique that employs optical illusion to make an object appear farther away, closer, larger or smaller than it actually is. It is used primarily in photography, filmmaking and architecture. It manipulates human visual perception through the use of scaled objects and the correlation between them and the vantage point of the spectator or camera.
We’ve all seen examples of forced perspective shots before. Most of you are thinking that the only examples are the fun photos (like the ones above) that you’ve seen on websites and in Facebook posts. But believe it or not, this optical illusion technique is also commonly used in moviemaking and television. A great example that almost all of you can relate to is the Lord of the Rings. The director, Peter Jackson, used forced perspective techniques (and even created some new ones) to cause the actors/characters to appear to have considerably different heights. There were no special effects used.
So now that we know how the technique works, let’s start creating our own Forced Perspective shots.
Important Considerations
We’ve all seen examples of forced perspective shots before. Most of you are thinking that the only examples are the fun photos (like the ones above) that you’ve seen on websites and in Facebook posts. But believe it or not, this optical illusion technique is also commonly used in moviemaking and television. A great example that almost all of you can relate to is the Lord of the Rings. The director, Peter Jackson, used forced perspective techniques (and even created some new ones) to cause the actors/characters to appear to have considerably different heights. There were no special effects used.
So now that we know how the technique works, let’s start creating our own Forced Perspective shots.
Important Considerations
- The technique is achieved by placing subjects at different distances from the camera. The greater the distance between the subjects, the greater the discrepancy in size.
- Depth of field is going to be a very important consideration. Since our subjects are going to be at different depths, we need very deep depth of field. I would encourage you to shoot at an aperture of f/16 or smaller (f/22, etc).
- Because we are shooting with very small apertures, shutter speed will become a concern. Yes, this technique can be done inside but it will require a tripod and for your subjects to remain absolutely still otherwise you’ll get motion blur. I would recommend shooting your Forced Perspective shots outside whether the quality and quantity of light is considerably higher. During school you should have no problem shooting at f/22 and still maintaining a shutter speed faster than 1/60th sec (our base for handheld shooting).
- If for whatever reason you cannot get a shutter speed faster than 1/60th sec, increase your ISO.
- Head down to the bottom of this page for some additional sources of inspiration.
- Over the course of a couple of days, shoot a variety of forced perspective shots. I want you to try to shoot as many different examples as possible.
- You will be required to submit three examples of Forced Perspective. At least two of the images must employ different concepts/techniques (another example would be the gravity example found at the top of this page).
- Do any enhancing/editing that is required in Photoshop
- Post your photos on your webpage with a write up.
- Gallery of Forced Perspective Examples
- HHHSDA Student Gallery of Forced Perspective Examples
- 15 Forced Perspective Technique Examples
- Not Photoshopped: Just Incredible Forced Perspective Photography
- 35 Creative Examples of Forced Perspective Photography
- 50 Best Examples of Forced Perspective Photography