PhotoFidelity

The first post in this series looked at Atmospheric Perspective. This post introduces Dwindling Size Perspective.

  by   Darwin Bell  

We judge distance to objects from visual cues other than just our stereoscopic vision. One such cue comes in the form of dwindling size perspective.

When we see similar objects, but they differ in size, we unconsciously judge the objects to be different distances from us. The smaller an object is in relation to another similar object, the farther away it appears.  In fact, the difference in distance is proportional to their size differences. For example, consider two objects having a similar appearance. If we see the first as half the size of the second, we sense that the first is twice as far away.

This effect is enhanced when coupled with another perspective type called linear perspective. The combined effects occur when similar objects are lined up in a receding fashion. The photo of crayons below uses this combination whereas the field of tulips does not.

You can use the simple, and somewhat common, visual cue of dwindling size to establish a sense of depth in a scene. Look for opportunities to incorporate this perspective in your photos; you may be surprised at how often it occurs.

EXAMPLES

Here are some examples of photos using dwindling size perspective to their advantage.

Crayons shot at an angle add more visual interest and energy to this photo.

  by   gfpeck  

The bolt heads on this girder enhance the sense of height.

  by   stephcarter  

You get a feeling of the tulip fields depth and expanse with tulips of differing size.

  by   galateadia  

Seeing cemetery stones from this viewpoint adds a sense of depth.

  by   ➨ Redvers