How to Use Perspective in Brand Photography
Many factors play into getting the perfect shot for your brand photos. But one of the most important — and often overlooked — is perspective.
Perspective is the way in which something is viewed, and in photography, it can completely change the look and feel of an image. When done correctly, your photos will convey exactly the right message to your audience.
How Perspective in Photography Works
As we mentioned, in photography, perspective refers to the relationship between objects in an image. It can be used to create depth, distance, and scale.
Perspective works by using vanishing points. A vanishing point is the furthest point at which parallel lines appear to meet. In other words, it’s the spot on the horizon where your eyes are drawn when you look at a long, straight road.
There are two types of vanishing points — linear and atmospheric:
- Linear perspective is when parallel lines appear to converge as they recede into the distance.
- Atmospheric perspective is when objects become blurrier and less distinct the further away they are.
Both of these types of perspectives can be used to your advantage in brand photography. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
Using linear perspective
Linear perspective is often used to create a sense of depth in an image. This can be especially effective if you want to show off a large space, like a hotel lobby or an outdoor scene.
To create a linear perspective, simply place your camera closer to one side of the scene. Then, use a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the scene as possible. The resulting image will have a deep, three-dimensional feel.
Using atmospheric perspective
Atmospheric perspective is often used to create a sense of distance. This can be especially effective if you want to show off a large space, like a vast landscape or an expansive cityscape.
To create an atmospheric perspective, simply place your camera further away from the scene. Then, use a long lens to capture as much of the scene as possible. The resulting image will have a wide, two-dimensional feel.
3 Kinds of Photograph Perspectives You Can Use
In addition to linear and atmospheric, there are three other kinds of perspectives you can use in your brand photography:
1. Bird’s eye
This is when the camera is positioned above the subject, looking down. This can be achieved by using a drone or simply standing on a higher surface. Bird’s eye shots are great for giving an overview of a scene or for making something look small and insignificant.
2. Worm’s eye
The opposite of a bird’s eye view. This is when the camera is positioned below the subject, looking up. This perspective can make the subject look powerful or dominant.
3. Eye level
As the name suggests, this is when the camera is positioned at eye level with the subject. This is the most common perspective and can be used for a variety of scenes and subjects.
Choosing the Right Perspective for Your Brand Photos
All of the perspectives we discuss are great in their own way. But the best perspective for your brand photos will depend on the message you’re trying to convey. A few things to remember when choosing a perspective:
1. A high perspective will make the subject look small, while a low perspective will make the subject look large.
2. A wide-angle lens will make the subject look far away, while a long lens will make the subject look close up.
3. A deep depth of field will make the scene look three-dimensional, while a shallow depth of field will make the scene look two-dimensional.
4. If you want to show off a large space, linear perspective is probably your best bet.
5. If you want to create a sense of distance, atmospheric perspective will do the trick.
Make Your Brand Photos Memorable and Distinct
Perspective is a powerful tool that you can use to make your brand photos more memorable and distinct. By choosing the right perspective, you can create a deep, three-dimensional feel or a wide, two-dimensional feel.
It’s important to remember, however, that perspective is just one element of great brand photography. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different photography elements, and find the right mix that works best for your brand.
To read more photography tips and other branding and digital marketing guides, head on to our blog at https://www.ilfusion.com/blog.