DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Forced Perspective Name (First & Last): ________________________________Period: _____

PROJECT DETAILS:
Turn in three different photo compositions
• One shared group composition – group turns in one shared composition
• One composition using a black cut out shape – solo composition
• One composition using a cut out image from a magazine – solo composition
• Student will turn in a contact sheet of outtake photos at least 15 photos.

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OBJECTIVES:
• Use forced perspective to create optical illusion in a photograph.
• Students will use a black cut out shape and explain how emphasis or contrast were used in the final
composition
• Students will use a cut out image from a magazine and explain how emphasis or contrast were used
in the final composition
• Photo and images will be in focus

DESCRIPTION:
Students will observe and discuss the work of Rick “Paperboyo” McCor and view a variety of forced
perspective images from the internet. Next, choose a location or landmark at school or around St Paul, to
compose the image. Cut out a shape to integrate into your composition and change the meaning of your
landmark or location. Remember that your shape will be small and your landmark will be big. Use this to
consider how far away from your object you will need to be to make the forced perspective a success. Try your
cut out from multiple angles and distances to see which works best. Save your unused images and print a
contact sheet using Adobe Bridge

RESOURCES
http://www.instantshift.com/2010/08/24/88-brilliant-examples-of-forced-perspective-photography/

http://www.arch2o.com/british-photographer-remodels-world-famous-architecture-using-paper-
cutouts-forced-perspective/

VOCABULARY TOOLS TECHNIQUES

What is perspective?
The word “perspective” has a Latin root meaning to "look through" or to "perceive," and all the meanings
of perspective have something to do with looking. If you observe the world from a dog's perspective, you see
through the dog's eyes. In drawing, perspective gives your drawing the appearance of depth or distance.
VOCABULARY.COM
• A way of portraying three dimensions on a flat, two-dimensional surface by suggesting depth or distance.
DICTIONARY.COM

What is forced perspective?

This is where objects are composed in such a way to create the illusion of perspective. For example, an object
that is small is aligned with another object that is big, but far away to appear the same size as the smaller
object.
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Below are some ways that can be used to create the illusion forced perspective.
• Objects that are far away from you appear smaller in size.
• An object that is in front of another object (overlap) is considered closer to the viewer,
or the object in front can block part or all of an object that is behind it.
• Objects placed higher (nearer the top) in the composition are considered farther away; and
like wise, objects at the bottom are considered closer to the viewer.

GROUP WORK:
Use notepaper to record your group answers.
Turn in to red bin at the end of class.
1. As a group look through the two example websites on forced
perspective and Flickr.
a. Share with the group what compositions you liked.
b. Explain why that composition interested you.
2. Think about what images from the internet could be changed
and/or remade -- that your group w/could do on campus at
Johnson as a group
3. Brainstorm ideas for using forced perspective around Johnson.
a. write down at least three of places around the school campus
your group could use to compose a photograph.
b. What are two effects you can do/create at/for each location?

CONSIDERATIONS:
• What is an appropriate location? What is not?
• What type of body/language will your group use when working outside of our classroom?
Remember we are Photo Ninja – silent and invisible – we cannot be detected (or distract or
interrupt other classes around us)
• Take multiple shots, it is okay to make readjustments to your photos. It takes time to align
your images.
• Space and distance from the objects or people in your composition.
• Change the angle your composition is taken

Check with Ms Marni when you have finished planning.