Tilt-Shift Photography (Miniature Faking) Definition

Tilt-Shift photography or miniature faking is a creative technique whereby a photograph of a life-size location or object is manipulated to give an optical illusion of a photograph of a miniature scale model.

Altering the focus of the photography in Photoshop (or similar program) simulates the shallow depth of field normally encountered with macro lenses making the scene seem much smaller than it actually is.

In addition to focus manipulation, the tilt-shift photography effect is improved by increasing color saturation and contrast, to simulate the bright paint often found on scale models.

Most faked tilt-shift photographs are taken from a high angle to further simulate the effect of looking down on a miniature. The technique is particularly effective on buildings, cars, trains and people.

Tilt-Shift Photography Example

Example image released under a Creative Commons licence by flickr member: House Photography.

More Examples Of Tilt-Shift Photography

Tilt-Shift Photography Photoshop Tutorial

Learn how to make your own tilt-shift photographs with our Tilt-Shift Photography Photoshop Tutorial.

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