Perspective is a funny thing. Because in photography we
represent our three-dimensional world in a two-dimensional form like a print or
on a computer screen, the relationship between subjects in an image can be
distorted.
This shot of a brown bear in Alaska is a good example. While
at first glance it might appear that the bear is sniffing the white flowers, in
reality his head is about a foot or two in front of the plant.
It was just coincidence that I happened to trip the shutter
when his head overlapped the flowers and created this illusion. I had been
shooting him constantly as he walked along the grassy edge near the water and
this is one in a series of images.
It is not always easy to keep the three-dimensional versus
two-dimensional representation in mind when photographing, but it is good to
consider it when you can. Sometimes, as in this case, you will not see it until
you view the image on a flat surface like your computer screen.
The other thing to keep in mind about dimensionality is that
it is beneficial to attempt to provide a three-dimensional look to all your
images. This is generally accomplished with good use of natural light and using
depth of field to your advantage. If you do not understand depth of field, send
an email to me at awakethelight@charter.net
with “Depth of Field” in the subject line, and I will devote a future blog to
that very important subject. For now just know that it is a very powerful tool
in the quest to portray our three-dimensional world.
TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/500 sec. Aperture f/8.
ISO 800. Lens: Canon 400mm
f/5.6L with 1.4x telextender for an effective focal length of 560mm. Camera: Canon 5D Mark III. Gitzo tripod with Really Right Stuff
ballhead and Wimberley Sidekick.
TODAY’S QUOTE: “What we see depends mainly on what we look
for.” -- John Lubbock
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