Tilt-Shift Lenses: How They Work and How to Use Them

Everybody knows tilt-shift lenses can be used to get a “miniature” effect, but many photographers are oblivious to their other, more traditional applications, and even fewer understand exactly how these lenses work. The folks at LensPro ToGo are here to clear things up.

In this highly informative and easy-to-understand series of short videos, the LensPro ToGo team explain exactly how tilt-shift lenses work to alter the focal plane of your image without moving the sensor, and then give you some concrete tips on how to use this capability to shoot better, more creative photos.

Above you’ll find the “how it works” video, and below you’ll find three tutorials that cover how to capture the miniature effect, creative portraits, and better architecture photography using a tilt-shift lens.

If you’ve ever been confused at all about how tilt-shift lenses work, or why you might want to invest in (or rent) one, we definitely suggest taking the time to watch all four.

Tilt-Shift for a Miniature Effect

Tilt-Shift for Portraits

Tilt-Shift for Architecture

(via SLR Lounge)