One of my personal favorite effects to use on photos is what is known as tilt-shift. In truth, it's not really an effect, but rather a technique used while taking a photo that requires a special lens. In the most simple terms, this unique lens is able to shift the traditional focal plane that is used by other lenses. Another way to put it would be to say that it gives you the ability to put everything within a certain range of distance into focus. If you're a nerd like me and really want to read about the technical side of it, look here. If you were to buy one of these lenses then I envy you, because that means that you have an extra $1000-2000 laying around that you can spend. Of course, a lens is not necessary as the look can be simulated with Photoshop and many other free programs (links to some of these are in the "Check it Out" section of this blog).
Most people explain the look of tilt-shift by saying that it makes the picture look like a miniature set. In my world, I love it because of the altered depth of field and the forced perspective that it gives the viewer. Basically, what I mean is that it creates a sort of 3-D effect by putting a certain part of the picture into hyper-focus as I like to call it. In doing so, it almost tricks your brain into believing that you're looking at a scene as though you are actually there.
It should be noted that this sort of look can be accomplished in other ways, but it is most often with a single subject dominating most of the frame. Tilt-shift works best with shots of larger scenes, which I believe is a large part of the "feeling like you're there" aspect of it. Without further adieu though, the following is an example that I hope will allow you to get a better understanding of what I am trying to say. (Click on the photos to view with a darker background)
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| Normal - Take a look at the entire scene. |
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| Tilt-shift - Look again, does anything seem different? |
I'm sure that some of you may be looking at these pictures and saying to yourselves, "What is he talking about, it looks the same to me." If you are, then look again and keep doing it until you see it my way (Haha JK :). The effect is more subtle in this case, but in others it can be quite dramatic. If anyone would like I'd be happy to come back to this subject or post links to some other examples. In the meantime don't forget to keep on L-I-V-I-N'.
Steve
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