Tilt-shift

Tilt-shift

Tilt-shift is a photographic technique that employs the use of camera movements on small- and medium-format cameras, and sometimes specifically refers to the use of tilt for selective focus, often for simulating a miniature scene. The term 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. Tilt is used to control the orientation of the plane of focus (PoF), and hence the part of an image that appears sharp; it makes use of the Scheimpflug principle. Shift is used to adjust the position of the subject in the image area without moving the camera back; this is often helpful in avoiding the convergence of parallel lines, as when photographing tall buildings. While the term tilt-shift is used when the lens is tilted with respect to the image plane, a lens that can only shift is called a shift lens, and a lens that can only tilt is called a tilt lens. Tilt-shift encompasses the use of both tilt and shift. Tilt-shift photography is often used for selective focus, to simulate a miniature scene, or to overcome limitations of depth of field. It can also be used to change the apparent perspective of a scene, or to eliminate converging verticals when photographing architecture.

Miniature effect, selective focus, Scheimpflug principle, perspective control, depth of field, architectural photography, creative photography techniques

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Tilt-shift.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/tilt-shift?E=433931 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"