DEPTH in a picture...

[David Darom]

When shooting a scene, indoors or out, one should remember
a simple fact.

We see in 3D, judging depth in a scene or an object using both our eyes
but all this becomes a 2 Dimensional picture on the screen or in a print.

We should therefore look for ways to create the illusion or
the visual effect of 3 dimensions by:

1. Adding close and distant objects in the picture's composition.

2. Enhancing the 3D effect by connecting between the two
with converging lines, LEADING the eye into the depth of the picture.

The picture I took of Jere Davidson engraving Edmund Davidson's
large subhilt the "Orgasmatron" displays all these elements very clearly
adding a great illusion of depth...
Available lighting and a tripod were used... The lighting came from
fluorescent bulbs on the ceiling and a lamp on the wall (casting warmer,
orange light). In Photoshop, I subdued the orange cast on Jere's face and
omitted it completely from the blade.

TRY IT AND SEE THE DIFFERENCE!


All the best,
David Darom (ddd)


From my book "Edmund Davidson - The Art of the Integral Knife" (2008)

[Buddy Thomason]

That's a great example. This business of conveying 3D depth in a 2D image seems to be one of the 'details' that separate more serious photographers from the casual ones - and I mean no disrespect to casual shooters at all.

Recently, after the AKI show in San Diego, my wife Laura and I drove down to La Jolla to check out the ocean. Having already dunked one foot (with a good leather shoe on it) in the water I turned and snapped this photo of Laura. When I got home and processed the image I was delighted with the degree of depth captured and the long curving line from front left to back right that draws the eye through the image. Though not a 'great' photograph per se, the image depth helps preserve the memory for me in a much more significant way.

[David Darom]

Great example, Buddy!
Thanks for posting it.

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

[Jim Cooper]

I took this one of lovers leaving a Cirque du Soleil performance on Randall Island in NYC a few years ago. That's a subway above.

Canon 10D


A classic perspective from my local stop. I hopped off the train coming from the Photo Expo in NYC a year ago. Fall colors add to the converging lines and shadows. It was key lining up the LH rails.

Canon Digicam


Another similar shot. Beautiful morning in Florida last February. I was heading to my launch with a toolbox and megaphone and, fortunately had my digicam handy. I quickly stopped and snapped this first. I took a bunch of shots that, because of the sun and mist, were outstanding.

Rowing is filled with dramatic perspectives because of the length and shapes of the boats.

Canon Digicam


Thanks for the opportunity to show these.

Coop

[David Darom]

Yes indeed, Coop, perspective fading into the distant
does give a dramatic sense of depth to the picture.
Great examples!

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)