Why Distant Objects Seem Smaller or Further Away in Photographs

The phenomenon where distant objects appear smaller or further away in photographs is primarily due to two factors: perspective and lens distortion. Understanding these factors can help you capture more accurate and visually appealing images.

1. Perspective

Depth Perception: Our brains interpret depth based on the relative size of objects and their distance from the viewer. In photography, objects that are farther away appear smaller compared to those that are closer. This is a natural perception that translates into images. This effect is known as perspective.

Field of View: When you take a photograph, the camera captures a specific field of view. Distant objects occupy a smaller portion of this field, making them appear smaller. This is because the camera's angle of view is limited, and it cannot capture as much detail from a wide range of distances as the human eye can.

2. Lens Effects

Focal Length: The focal length of the lens affects how distance is perceived. A wide-angle lens with a short focal length can exaggerate the size difference between foreground and background objects, making distant objects appear even smaller. Conversely, a telephoto lens with a long focal length compresses the depth, making objects appear closer together but still smaller than the foreground.

Depth of Field: A shallow depth of field can blur distant objects, making them less distinct and seemingly smaller compared to the sharp foreground elements. This effect can be particularly noticeable in macro photography, where the background appears out of focus and more distant.

Conclusion

Together, these factors create a visual effect where distant objects not only appear smaller but also seem more removed from the viewer, enhancing the sense of depth and distance in photographs.

Software Zoom: The software zoom feature of your phone camera might have been changed. Check your camera settings; zooming out can sometimes cross the border of the normal viewing range, altering how distant objects appear.

We think that the object is farther away because the focal length of most mobile cameras is less than that of our eyes. In short, it captures a wider field than our eyes can see. The DSLR lens, on the other hand, is always mentioned with different focal lengths like 70–300mm, 50mm, and 600mm. Our eyes have a focal length of approximately 50mm, while most smartphones have a focal length in the range of 20-35mm, with many commonly having a 24mm lens. This is why objects often appear farther and wider in smartphone photos compared to what we see with our eyes.

Just try using a 50mm lens sometime to experience a more natural perspective. You might be surprised at how much more accurate the framing and distances appear.

Cheers!