One point perspective photography is one interesting creative photography technique which can make your images look really amazing. This article contains everything a photographer needs to know about one point perspective.
If you have been photographing for many years then go back to old photos which you like a lot , I promise you will find one point perspective in many of them .
One point perspective , two point perspective are techniques or terms that are generally associated with drawing and sketching. But one point perspective makes a lot of sense in photography. It can make a 2D image 3D !
Foreshortening is another great way of using perspective in photography , this coupled with natural frames can give you some great pictures.
What is perspective in photography ?
Perspective is basically a way to look at things. Its the spatial arrangements of objects with respect to each other. Objects can appear smaller or larger by arranging them in the photograph in a certain way.
Everyone visiting the leaning tower of Pisa wants to take picture with it and most often you take something like the one below. Here you are positioning yourself and the tower in such a way that tower appears to be much smaller than it is and you appear to be bigger.
This is nothing but Perspective ?
If you wish to read about one point perspective in drawing then here is a great article.
One point perspective photography definition
One point perspective basically means something which has a single vanishing point. Now what’s a vanishing point ?
If you see the image below , you can see that all the lines eventually converge at a single point. This point is called the vanishing point.
When it comes to photography, one point perspective photography means photography technique where certain objects or leading lines are used to create an effect of single vanishing point on the horizon line.
Depending on the type of picture the vanishing point can be far in the distant . In most cases it is an imaginary point where implied lines in the photograph meet each other.
What is one point perspective photography ?
A drawing (or photograph) has one-point perspective when it contains only one vanishing point on the horizon line. This type of perspective is typically used for images of roads, railway tracks, hallways, or buildings viewed so that the front is directly facing the viewer. Any objects that are made up of lines either directly parallel with the viewer’s line of sight or directly perpendicular (the railroad slats) can be represented with one-point perspective. These parallel lines converge at the (single) vanishing point.
Wikipedia
A mathematical system for representing three-dimensional objects and space on a two-dimensional surface by means of intersecting lines that are drawn vertically and horizontally and that radiate from one point on a horizon line…
dictionary.com
To start with the one-point perspective is a technique that shows that elements appear to grow smaller and smaller as they are positioned against the background. The principal idea behind one-point perspective is to make use of parallel lines which lead to the background.
Lets see an example of a Van Gough painting.
This will result in the appearance of lines merging ever more closely to the background. When you look at the picture you will notice that all elements are gravitating toward one spot within the drawing above. This is known as the disappearing point.
What is a one point perspective photo ?
Here is a great example of one point perspective photo.
It basically shows that two rail tracks are meeting each other at the vanishing point on the horizon line. We do not actually see that point and the rail tracks are never going to meet, but we get that feeling when we see the image.
A one point perspective photo has objects which appear bigger and bigger as they come closer to the photographer and appear smaller and smaller as they go towards the background.
Here is an example of a one point perspective drawing with boxes arranged in such a way to explain the principle of one point perspective photo.
There are two key points ..
- Surfaces that face the viewer appear in their true shape.
- Surfaces that travel away from the viewer converge towards a single vanishing point at the horizon.
How to take one point perspective photography
Its very easy to take one point perspective photo. All you have to do is select a frame where you have some kind of implied lines. They can be horizontal or vertical or even diagonal in nature.
The lines should converge at some point in distant. Selecting a wide angle lens adds to the drama of a one point perspective photo. It makes the objects near to the lens appear bigger and the ones away a lot smaller.
Railway tracks , straight roads , bridges , series of arches , tall buildings , tall set of trees , series of lamp posts etc. There are so many opportunities to take one point perspective photographs.
One point perspective photo is easy to take when you shoot the subject front on. Its easier to achieve the sense of depth when you are front on.
One point perspective photography ideas
Lets see some examples of one point perspective photography in actual life. You can take inspiration from these ideas and try to shoot your own.
One point perspective photography street
You will find that streets are always a great subject for one point perspective. Long straight streets or lamp posts on the side of the streets , streets with buildings on both sides make really stand out subjects for one point perspective photography.
The white / yellow lines on the street heading into the distance seem converge at the distance giving a great depth to the image.
One point perspective landscape photography
One point perspective also finds its way in landscape photography. Pathways vanishing into the forest , quay at the sea , line of trees along the roads , tall trees touching the sky all make interesting one point perspective photographs.
One point perspective interior photography
Interior is probably the most appropriate subject when it comes to one point perspective photo. One generally wants to present the room a lot larger than what it is so that it appears grand and welcoming.
This is generally achieved by using a wide angle lens and finding the right frame which has leading lines.
One point perspective buildings photography
Tall buildings , buildings alongside roads make one point perspective stand out.
One point perspective creative photography
Here are some examples of creative ways to use one point perspective photography in practice.
One point perspective photography : Summary
The world of one point perspective photography is really amazing. You can create some amazing images by following some simple rules and using leading and implied lines in your photographs.
This gives a lot of depth to the images and makes them appear 3D and your images will have a lot more meaning with this technique.
