Perspective: A Review on How to Do Perspectives Right

Kavan Choksi is a veteran photographer and a travel enthusiast who shares his insights in his series of blogs. For this post, he discusses in detail the meaning of perspective in photography.

In its most basic form, perspective is how the human eye relates to spatial separation and the relationship between the sizes of objects found within that separation. Perspective explains why things look smaller the farther away they are, and vice-versa, relative to their size.

Pointing out depth

When you see a photograph in print or on-screen, it is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional scene. This is what photography achieves. The concept of perspective is utilized to point out depth or the sense of scale in an image. The brain, for example, evaluates size based on objects in relation to other objects appearing in a photo. This creates an imaginary distance and visual depth.

Leading lines are one of the most well-known methods of using perspective in photography. What you do is position yourself low and, using the lines, draw the viewer's eye into the subject. Combine this with a deep depth of field, and you'll see your images achieve a near 3D quality.

Achieving a stunning image

Always shoot from a low angle, Kavan Choksi says. While it can be challenging to squat, sit, or kneel to get a good shot, doing so helps you achieve a look that's stunning, unique, and much more alive compared to the popular eye-level perspective. Doing the opposite, which is getting up high and then looking down, too, can get you the same effect. Try accessing a tall structure's upper floors or roof deck to get some beautiful vantage points, Kavan Choksi adds.

What do you think about perspective? Feel free to share with Kavan Choksi your best practices to achieve depth in photography.