Comments on: More Books, But Not Mine, I swear.

By: Jay

Jay — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:52:46 +0000

Perspective, as I mean it, is a size relation between objects in different distances from the viewer, and it’s exactly the same as what you call “compression”. We are not talking about lowering an axis of view etc. It’s not about the math – it’s about understanding some basic rules of human perception and knowing what is a cause and what is an effect.
But from the other hand, I didn’t have a chance to read you e-book in English, so maybe it sounds different than a Polish translation of it and maybe there was no reason to write here at all. Merry Christmas, David.

By: David

David — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:47:40 +0000

Jay – Again, I’m not discussing perspective and never have in these regards. Compression, or the illusion of it, is not the same as perspective. I’m not interested in the math, only in the ability of people to use their equipment in ways that create the images they envision. In the end I think the battles we chose to fight say more about us than the issue at hand, and this one’s not one I care to argue about.

You’re welcome here anytime. Just don’t get too bent out of shape about convincing me about anything. So let’s put this one to rest because at this moment the only thing rivaling my apathy is my desire to celebrate the holidays in peace. Merry Christmas.

By: Jay

Jay — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:34:31 +0000

I meant 35mm on APS-C and 50mm on 135 sensor, of course.

By: Jay

Jay — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:31:17 +0000

I’ve just read your e-book (well, a Polish translation of it) – someone pointed it as a source of those “perspective nonsenses”. I’m really tired of explaining it – that’s why I reacted (maybe too) impulsively. Anyway,, it doesn’t matter if you look at it from mathematical or perceptional point of view – a picture taken from the same distance with 35mm lens on APS-C sensor and 50mm lens will look exactly the same in terms of perspective or perspective compression. There will be a difference in DOF, bokeh and distortion which affects the overal look, but it has nothing to do with a perspective.

By: David

David — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:13:05 +0000

Well, Jay, we’re way off topic here but I never said focal length affects perspective. I said it affects compression, and while you’re talking mathematically I’m talking in terms of perception. Put down the boxing gloves and the calculator and go enjoy your camera. There are forums aplenty to argue in, this blog isn’t one of them.

By: Jay

Jay — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:00:24 +0000

It’s the distance, not the focal length what determines perspective, therefore 35mm on 1.5x cropped sensor gives the same frame with identical “planes compression” as 50mm on 135 sensor. There is no such a thing as lens related perspective – if an angle of view is the same, your distance has to be the same to get the same frame and that means the same planes relations. Always.

By: David

David — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:41:48 +0000

Well aren’t you a ray of sunshine, Jay? Thanks so much for setting me straight; hard to argue with that classic “I’m right and you’re wrong” but you could have made it completely irrefutable had you also stuck your tongue out and taunted me with “nya, nya, nya nya nya.”

In this day and age where dialogue seems a lost art, you’re a rare breed. Thanks for taking the time to really clarify things.

(sigh)

By: Jay

Jay — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:47:23 +0000

What you wrote about perspective compression and sensor sizes is completely wrong. If you don’t understand how it works, don’t try to explain it to anybody.

By: Leo F. Ridano

Leo F. Ridano — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:51:02 +0000

It´s funny. Yesterday i was thinking about translating some photography blogs articles or books to spanish. Here it´s impossible to find those exciting and useful readings about our passion (mmm. photography, of course). A lot of people here doesn´t understand english, and i always try to explain them all the things i learn around this and other blogs.
Yes guys, you re more famous and we read it all your words more that what you believe…
(please excuse my english, it´s more difficult to write it than to read it).

Congratulations for your blogs, i learn a lot.
Now i´m looking for reach your books!!

Leo F. Ridano
Lago Puelo, Patagonia Argentina

By: george

george — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:29:25 +0000

Trey Ratcliff is Kelby’s guest blogger this wek at http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/7492

Interesting article on photographic philosophy.