Recently I found some movies – time-lapses which was recorded with the interesting effect – tilt and shift (wiki). This refers to the use of tilt for selective focus when there is only one narrow image plane in focus. “Tilt-shift” encompasses two different types of movements: rotation of the lens plane relative to the image plane, called tilt, and movement of the lens parallel to the image plane, called shift. Usually as the effect there is an impression of a miniature scene.
Effect can be achieved with the special lens or by the post-processing effect. Here below you can see the effect applied on the normal photo. Of course I prefer the original effect achieved with lens. Unfortunately such lens are VERY expensive – so for now just a preview with postprocessing with such filter:
Ushuaia rooftops – tiltnshift
Because those tilt’n’shift lenses are so expensive – I’ve decided to make one myself. It’s possible – and effect varies depending on quality of lens used and quality of the construction itself. Effect of tilt and shift from self-made lens is a little bit different different from those factory-made. Every photo is unique – it’s hard to repeat the same effect in the next photo. It’s also probably difficult to ‘straighten’ the buildings – so modify perspective when taking photos of close buildings with wide lens.
For now I’m collecting the parts… the cheap wide lens and the cups for the camera. The whole instruction how to prepare such lens is here: DIY tilt-shift lens