Seeing the World Differently: The Art of Forced Perspective Photography

As an event and portrait photographer, I’m always exploring creative ways to tell a story through the lens. One of the most intriguing and playful techniques I use—and love to share with clients—is forced perspective photography. It’s not just a fun trick; it’s a powerful visual tool that can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary.

What Is Forced Perspective?

Forced perspective plays with how we see distance and size. By carefully placing people or objects in a scene, I can create illusions that surprise the viewer. You’ve likely seen someone “holding” the Leaning Tower of Pisa or “pinching” the moon in a photo. That’s forced perspective in action.

This style isn’t just for fun—it can add real artistic flair to portraits and events. It’s a way to tell stories that stand out.

Why I Use Forced Perspective in Portraits and Events

At events like weddings or corporate parties, forced perspective photos get people talking. They break the ice, spark laughter, and make moments even more memorable. In portraits, this style lets personality shine in a fresh and playful way.

Imagine someone walking on a giant book or chatting with a toy-sized friend in the distance. These images are always eye-catching and perfect for sharing online or printing as keepsakes.

What Are the Different Types of Forced Perspective Photography?

This style involves creating illusions using size, space, and props. There are four main types:

Making a subject look larger
Making a subject look smaller
Merging multiple subjects in surprising ways
Bending gravity to make people or objects float

Examples include someone “holding” a building, “kicking” the sun, or “floating” sideways across a wall. Each style adds a unique twist to the photo.

Tips for Trying Forced Perspective Photography

Want to give this a try? Here are some easy tips:

Choose a wide, open space like a park or beach. You’ll need room to create distance.
Adjust your angle. A few inches up or down can change everything.
Plan your shot. Know where your subjects will stand and how they’ll line up in the frame.
Use manual mode. It helps keep everything sharp and under control.
Be patient. It may take a few tries—but it’s always worth it!

The Right Gear: What Lens Works Best for Forced Perspective?

The lens you use can make or break the effect. I recommend using a wide-angle lens.

Wide lenses stretch the scene and exaggerate depth. This makes the foreground look bigger and the background seem farther away. That’s exactly what you want when creating illusions.

I often use a 24mm prime or a wide zoom. These lenses let me fit everything in the frame and play with scale.

Pro tip: Place your subject close to the lens and the background object farther away. Line them up carefully. The wide-angle view helps make the illusion believable and bold.

Let’s Create Something Unique Together

Looking for photos that surprise and stand out? Let’s bring some creative magic to your next session. Whether it’s a celebration or a portrait, forced perspective photography makes it unforgettable.

Get in touch today—let’s tell your story in a way no one expects