How can I photograph a 6×9 ft mat straight-on without perspective distortion?
Asked 5/1/2018
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I need to photograph large 6×9 ft mats so they look even and rectangular, as if viewed straight-on. Right now I’m shooting from the side/at an angle, which causes perspective distortion. What’s the best way to position the mat and camera to get a perpendicular shot from above or otherwise make the image look flat and even? Any setup tips for stability and lighting would help too.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
5
My mats are 6X9 Feet and i want to take pictures at a perpendicular angle from top so that it is even
The real goal here is to shoot the mat from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mat, so that any perspective distortion in the image is even in all directions. That doesn't mean that the mat has to be on the floor, though. You can hang your mat on a wall, for example, so that you can hold the camera in a normal shooting position and take the photo you want. If hanging the mat isn't practical, you could build a sloped platform, like a very tilted floor; that would let you take the photo from a ladder, but still avoids the need to be directly above the mat.
Lighting is another thing to consider. The larger the light source (like a big softbox), the less you'll have to worry about shadows cast by folds and wrinkles in the material. On the other hand, if you want to bring out the texture of the mat, direct lighting from the side will help.
Originally by user4262. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4262
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The key is not literally shooting from the ceiling — it’s making the camera sensor parallel to the mat and aiming the lens perpendicular to the mat’s surface.
For a large mat, the easiest solution is often to hang it vertically on a wall so you can photograph it straight-on from a normal position. If hanging it isn’t practical, place it on a sloped platform so you can shoot more squarely from a ladder or elevated position.
To minimize distortion:
- Keep the camera centered on the mat.
- Make sure the camera is level and the mat’s plane is parallel to the camera.
- Use a longer focal length from farther back if space allows, which helps reduce perspective exaggeration.
Lighting matters too. A large, soft light source will give more even illumination across the surface and reduce harsh shadows or hotspots. Try to light the mat evenly from both sides if needed.
So the goal is a perpendicular camera-to-subject relationship, not necessarily placing the mat flat on the floor.
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