Composition / Learn by doing
Perspective explained simply
What is โPerspectiveโ?
How objects’ apparent sizes and relationships change with the camera’s position and distance.
- 01Close viewpoint
- 02Relative sizes
- 03Farther viewpoint
How do you use Perspective practically?
A small exercise
Photograph two objects from close by, then move farther back and adjust framing. Compare their relative sizes.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Perspective solve a problem?
It helps control exaggerated facial features or the relationship between a product and its surroundings.
What can go wrong?
Zooming from a fixed position changes framing, not the underlying viewpoint. Move to change perspective.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Close viewpoint โ Relative sizes โ Farther viewpoint. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
Composition examples โ B&H
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
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