What does perspective refer to in the context of photography?

Perspective in photography refers to the angle from which a photo is taken and how that angle affects the viewer’s perception of the subjects within the frame. It plays a crucial role in determining the spatial relationships and depth that are conveyed in an image. By adjusting the perspective, photographers can create a sense of scale, leading the viewer to experience the scene in a particular way—whether that’s emphasizing the vastness of a landscape, showcasing the grandeur of architecture, or highlighting the connection between subjects.

For example, shooting from a low viewpoint can make a subject appear larger and more imposing, while a high viewpoint can create a sense of overview or distance. This manipulation of perspective allows photographers to convey emotions and narratives more effectively. In contrast, aspects like color scheme, background details, and lighting conditions, while important to the overall composition and mood of a photograph, do not define perspective itself. They each contribute to the final image but focus on different elements of photography that enhance the visual story being told.