Forced Perspective Photo Booth: Capture the Illusion!

Objective

To create compelling photographs of your illusionary sculptures that utilize forced perspective and enhance the optical illusion.

Materials

• Your finished illusionary sculpture(s)
• A camera (phone, tablet, or digital camera)
• A backdrop (plain wall, sheet, or large piece of paper)
• Optional props: small objects, large objects, other students to interact with the sculpture

Instructions

1. Set Up Your Booth: Designate a clear area in the classroom as the "Photo Booth." Ensure good lighting and a simple, uncluttered backdrop.

2. Position Your Sculpture: Place your sculpture in the booth. Think about the angle from which your illusion is most effective. This is your primary viewing angle.

3. Experiment with Distance and Angle:

   • Small Appearances: If you want your sculpture to look tiny, place it far away from the camera and have someone stand much closer.
   • Giant Appearances: If you want your sculpture to look huge, place it close to the camera and have someone stand far behind it.
   • Align and Overlap: The key is to carefully align the viewer (or other objects/people) with your sculpture from the camera's perspective.

4. Use Props and People:

   • Have a classmate stand or pose with your sculpture. Can they pretend to hold it, push it over, or be dwarfed by it?
   • Incorporate other objects to help sell the illusion. A small toy car next to a sculpture that looks giant, for example.

5. Take Multiple Shots: Take many pictures from slightly different angles and distances. What looks right in person might not look right through the camera lens. Adjust until you find the perfect shot that captures your illusion!

6. Review and Select: Look through your photos. Which ones best showcase the optical illusion or forced perspective you created? Choose your favorite shot(s).

Reflection Questions

• What was challenging about getting the perfect forced perspective shot?
  
  
  
• How did taking a picture change how you saw your own sculpture?
  
  
  
• What tips would you give to another artist trying to create a forced perspective photo?
  
  
  

Is It Flat or 3D? The Illusion Game!

Objective

To identify and explain optical illusions in 2D and 3D art, reinforcing understanding of perspective and perception.

Materials

• Student-created illusionary sculptures
• Previously shown images of optical illusions (from slide deck or printed)
• Optional: Whiteboard or projector to display images

Instructions

1. Divide into Teams: Divide the class into 2-3 small teams. Give each team a whiteboard or a piece of paper.

2. Round 1: Teacher's Illusions (2D & 3D)

   • The teacher will display an image of a 2D optical illusion or a photo of a famous 3D illusionary sculpture (not the students' work).
   • Each team discusses for 30 seconds: "Is this flat or 3D? What is the illusion? How does it fool our eye?"
   • Teams write down their answer and a brief explanation.
   • The teacher reveals the answer and the explanation. Teams get points for correct identification and insightful explanations.

3. Round 2: Student Sculpture Showcase

   • Students will bring their own illusionary sculptures to the front, one by one, or in small groups.
   • The presenting student explains the illusion they created in their sculpture.
   • The other teams discuss: "How does this sculpture fool your eye? What perspective tricks are being used?"
   • Teams write down their observations and explanations. Points awarded for accurate analysis.

4. Round 3: The 'Sweet Spot' Challenge

   • Present several images or actual objects that use forced perspective or anamorphic art, but show them from a non-optimal viewing angle first.
   • Challenge teams to guess what the object/image is really showing and from what angle it would make sense. (e.g., a distorted image that becomes clear when you look at it from the side).
   • Reveal the