Forced Perspective

Forced perspective is using a camera to fool the viewer without any special effects or post-processing.  It is commonly used in movies, and can be done with an ordinary camera.

Types of Forced Perspective

Forced Perspective generally falls into a few main categories:

• Making a subject larger
• Making a subject smaller
• Merging subjects
• Defying gravity

Common Forced Perspective Photos

While the opportunities for forced perspective are nearly limitless, there are some "standard" photos that have become familiar.

• Holding or propping up a landmark
• Holding or eating the sun or the moon
• Holding another person in one hand
• A toy that larger than a person or pet
• People hanging from the top of a photo
• A person stepping on another person

• An older photograph or a sketch merged over a scene

Here are some examples of Forced Perspective.

For more about forced perspective, you can see my presentation here.

For even more information about this, Google "Forced Perspective" and follow the links.