View Camera Tips
Movements for Creative Image Control with View Cameras
The front standard offers rise, swing, tilt and shift. The rear offers tilt. With these controls, correction of distortion, adjustment of depth-of-field, and manipulation of selective focus are all possible.
Front Tilt
Tilting the lens stage forward or backward will extend the plane-of-focus far
beyond the effects of using small lens aperture. This adjustment allows near
and far objects to be in focus at the same time.
Front Swing
Swinging or rotating the front lens stage left or right will extend the plane-of-focus
far beyond the effects of using small lens aperture. This adjustment allows near
and far objects to be in focus at the same time.
Front Rise
Raising or lowering the front lens stage alters the camera lens' point-of-view.
This movement effectively raises or lowers the positions of the image relative
to the film without tilting the entire camera up or down. This adjust allows
for the control of convergence of vertical lines within a scene and maintaining
lines parallel in a photograph.
Front Shift
Left and right movements of the front lens stage alters the camera lens' point-of-view.
This movement effectively repositions the image left or right relative to the
film without moving the entire camera left or right. This adjustment allows for
the control of convergence of vertical lines within a scene and maintaining lines
parallel in a photograph.
Drop Bed
With a wide-angle lens, it's possible for the camera bed to obstruct the viewing
angle of the lens. By dropping the bed of the camera, a clear path is provided for a wide-angle lens.
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Bill Schuemann has been actively working in Architectural Photography using large format view cameras since 1978. Based in Cleveland, Bill has worked on a variety of assignments around the world. His experience includes photographing the exteriors and interiors of commercial and residential buildings as well as famous landmarks, construction site progress, aerial, medical and restoration work photography.
With 30 years working exclusively in architectural photography, Schuemann Architectural Photography has the equipment, the know-how, and the thoroughness to help you navigate the complexities of architectural photography, and deliver spectacular results on your next project.