[Seventh Session] What is Three-Point Perspective? A Guide to the Basics

Introduction

Explanation in the video

The ‘Overview, Summary, or Conclusion’ of this article can be found at the beginning of the YouTube video, so please refer to it.

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What is Three-Point Perspective?

It is used when looking up or down, or when the subject and the viewer’s shoulders are tilted.

The definition alone doesn’t make it clear. Three-point perspective is often considered the most difficult type of perspective, especially in terms of construction.

• In this session, we will not cover the specific methods for constructing three-point perspective or the different types (such as the angles of the triangles that form the structure). These topics will be discussed next time, though we will likely cover only a limited selection.
• The main objectives of this session are, first, to understand how three-point perspective differs from other perspective methods, and second, to explore its advantages and disadvantages.

How many faces of the cube at the center of the screen are visible?

Planes in one-point perspective

We have covered this topic before, so this time, let’s approach it from a slightly different angle. For example, in a case like this, we learned that it is a one-point perspective. The reason is that the cube at the visual center (the center of the screen) has only one visible face.

No matter where this camera is moved—up, down, left, or right—it remains one-point perspective.

In other words, the photographer’s shoulders are straight and not tilted, and they are looking straight ahead without shifting their gaze.

For example, even if the camera is moved slightly to the right from the previous screen, it will still be one-point perspective.

Some may think that since two faces of the cube are now visible, it must be two-point perspective.

However, when the camera itself moves physically (not just zooming in or out), the vanishing point also shifts.

If the cube is placed at the new vanishing point of the camera, it is possible to create a composition where only one face of the cube is visible.

In other words, no matter how the camera is moved—horizontally or vertically—the type of perspective does not change.

What’s important is the ‘angle of the camera (the angle of the eyes)’, and whether the cube’s vanishing point is parallel to it. The key difference lies in the nuance between tilting the camera and moving it.

Planes in one-point perspective

 

I slightly tilted the camera to the left and right and placed the cube at the vanishing point.

Now, two faces of the cube are visible, which means it is two-point perspective.

The types of tilting (rotation) will be explained later in terms of the three axes: pitch, roll, and yaw.

The important point here is that the shoulders are not parallel to the subject. From the cube’s perspective, the shoulders are tilted. From the shoulder’s perspective, the cube is tilted.

When the camera is tilted to the left or right, the subject becomes tilted accordingly.

Those who are quick to understand might have guessed that in three-point perspective, the camera is ’tilted vertically.’ Additionally, it can be inferred that three faces of the cube would be visible at the vanishing point.

When the camera is tilted upward, it is called a ‘low-angle shot’, and when tilted downward, it is called a ‘high-angle shot’.

Planes in three-point perspective

Now, let’s tilt the camera upward in the two-point perspective screen we saw earlier. Then, we move the cube so that it aligns with the vanishing point.

In this case, indeed, three faces of the cube are visible.

The Difference Between Moving the Head Up and Down, Tilting the Head, and Tilting the Eyes

Comparison of each case

It is important to accurately distinguish between two cases: ‘the head (body) rotates but the eyes do not’ and ‘the head (body) does not rotate, but the eyes rotate.’

If the body rotates, the camera will effectively move slightly up or down as well. However, if a pedestal is placed to compensate for the lowered eye level caused by the body’s rotation, it is possible to create a composition that looks nearly the same.

When visualized in a diagram, it would look something like this.

This is a diagram showing the difference between when the camera moves up and down and when it tilts up and down.

Simply moving the eyes slightly does not easily achieve a clear low-angle or high-angle composition

In reality, simply moving the eyes makes it difficult to clearly distinguish between low-angle and high-angle shots; changes in the body’s position, moving up or down, are necessary.

There is a significant difference between looking down from the roof of a building and looking down from your own height at ground level.

If you change the angle of your eyes (not your head), does your eye level change?

 

 

 

1. Question 1: “If the angle of the eyes (rather than the head) is changed, does the eye level change?”
2. Answer 1: “No. However, if the angle of the head (instead of just the eyes) is changed, the eye level will change slightly. If the angle of the entire body is changed, it can cause a significant change in the eye level, depending on the situation.”
3. Question 2: “In three-point perspective, if the angle of the eyes (rather than the head) is changed, it appears as if the horizon has risen. If the horizon rises, doesn’t that mean the eye level has also risen?”
4. Answer 2: “The eye level and viewpoint position do not change, but the direction of the gaze does. In other words, the eyes are rotating up and down, but the eyes themselves are not moving.
5. Question 3: “I understand that the explanation that the eye level hasn’t changed is because the viewpoint position is the same. But how can you explain the fact that the horizon position in the screen appears to change?”
6. Answer 3: “The horizon is only seemingly moving up and down; in reality, the horizon itself isn’t moving. It’s merely a visual effect. Even though the height of the viewpoint hasn’t changed, changing the camera angle alters the visible range, making it feel as though the horizon position has changed.”
7. Question 4: “…?

Understanding the horizon

Let’s first revisit the concept of the ‘horizon (horizontal line).’

 

Anything at te same height as the viewer’s eyes will always align with this line.

I have set up the horizon to make it easier to understand (the screen is in one-point perspective). Generally, it is the line that separates the ground from the sky, but it could also be the line where the sea and sky meet.

The angle of this horizon (horizontal line) is generally 0° (a straight horizontal line).

Of course, since the Earth is a sphere, from the perspective of outer space, it would appear as a curve rather than a straight line.

However, it is important to note that, when viewed locally, it appears as a straight line.

The horizon is generally said to coincide with the height of the eyes. Now, the important question here is: ‘If the angle of the eyes (rather than the head) is changed, does the eye level change?’

The answer is that it does not change (as we consider it). The eye level only changes when the height of the person increases or when they move to a higher position.

Parallel lines when the camera moves up and down

For example, when the camera is moved up and down, the position of the horizon remains unchanged and stays at the center of the screen.

Parallel lines when the camera’s angle is moved left and right

In the case of two-point perspective, the head is tilted sideways. As a result, the horizon height in one-point perspective and the screen’s horizon are shared and can be said to be the same (even visually).

For example, if you tilt your head to the left, the position of the horizon does not change.

Parallel lines when the camera’s angle is moved up and down

 

In the case of three-point perspective, the head is tilted up or down.

As a result, the position of the horizon appears to change compared to one-point or two-point perspective.

Why does the horizon line change in three-point perspective?

The nuance of “visually, it feels like the horizon moves up and down when the line of sight moves up or down” is a bit difficult to understand.

Now, imagine if humans had an incredibly wide field of vision. Think of an image as if it were a snapshot of what would be seen if the upper and lower fields of view were visible in a one-point perspective.

For example, let’s assume that the typical range visible in a one-point perspective, as seen naturally, is only about this much.

However, if one had an incredibly wide field of view, it’s possible that the screen would look something like this.

Furthermore, by cropping any part of the screen, one could create an image where the horizon appears to drop. In other words, it is possible to visually shift the horizon up and down.

Of course, it is also possible to visually lower the horizon by cropping the screen within the natural range. In cases where the horizon appears to move up and down in one-point perspective, it is usually the result of cropping.

However, even if the screen is cropped in this way, there is the issue that it will not create the same kind of image as in three-point perspective.

What is a Low Angle (Upward View) and High Angle (Downward View)?

What is a low-angle shot in three-point perspective? Explanation of its meaning and definition in simple terms

･The viewpoint is lower than the object, and by looking upward, the object appears large and imposing.

･Since the line of sight moves from below to above, the vanishing point is positioned higher.

For example, if the camera angle (or eye angle) is raised from 90 degrees (straight ahead) to 120 degrees (upwards), a low-angle view will be created.

What is a high-angle shot in three-point perspective? Explanation of its meaning and definition in simple terms

･The object appears small, overwhelming, dominant, and distant.

･Since the line of sight moves from above to below, the vanishing point is positioned lower.

For example, if the camera angle (or eye angle) is lowered from 90 degrees (straight ahead) to 60 degrees (downwards), a high-angle view will be created.

Pitch, Roll, and Yaw

Is there a three-point perspective where the lines appear to converge at only two points?

For example, in this screen, we can clearly see that the lines converge upwards, but they do not appear to converge horizontally.

Despite being in three-point perspective, the vanishing points appear to only converge vertically and into the depth, making it visually equivalent to two-point perspective.

For example, in Robby Lee’s book, two questions are posed: ‘Is the box placed at an angle or horizontally?’ and ‘Is the box positioned straight or at an angle relative to the viewer?’

Flowchart: ‘Is the box placed at an angle or horizontally?’ and ‘Is the box oriented straight or at an angle relative to the viewer?’

Fundamental premise: The situation involves either looking up at or looking down on the box.

Question 1: ‘Is the box placed at an angle or horizontally?’

(1) If the box is placed at an angle, a three-point perspective must be used.

(2) If the box is placed horizontally, proceed to the next question.

Question 2: “Is the box positioned straight or at an angle relative to the viewer?”

(1) If the box is positioned straight, a three-point perspective must be used. The key point here is that a vertical two-point perspective can be utilized.

(2) If the box is positioned at an angle, a three-point perspective must also be used.

The diagram that previously appeared not to converge falls under case (1) of Question 2.”

In two-point perspective, horizontal and depth lines converge, while vertical lines do not. This characteristic was explained in Lesson 5 of the video series.

Is the case where vertical lines do not converge in two-point perspective equivalent to the case where horizontal lines do not converge in three-point perspective?

In the case of two-point perspective, the diagram would look like this.

By rotating this two-point perspective method, we can create a screen composition that resembles the previously mentioned three-point perspective.

Diagonals and horizontals in three-point perspective

The key point in the case of three-point perspective is that vertical lines also converge.

In the case of the image above, the object is placed ‘diagonally’ relative to the observer, while in the image below, the object is placed ‘horizontally’ relative to the observer.

In the horizontal case, for some reason, the horizontal lines appear not to converge.

In other words, the case where the object is placed horizontally in the line of sight is a special case of three-point perspective.

In the case of a perfect 90-degree angle, the vertical (up and down) lines will converge, but the horizontal (left and right) lines will not appear to converge.

However, if the angle is even slightly off, for example 89 or 91 degrees, the horizontal lines will also converge, and the scene will converge to three vanishing points (whether or not they are perceptible).

There can also be other special cases. I had previously thought that three-point perspective only applied to either a low-angle or high-angle view, but it can also apply when looking directly at the object.

In the case of viewing an object head-on, if it is placed at an angle, three-point perspective can still apply. This is also a special case.

To check whether it is a three-point perspective, in the case of a cube, it’s easy to determine by simply checking if the vertical lines converge.

In one-point and two-point perspectives, vertical lines typically do not converge, and they extend at a 90-degree angle, never crossing.

The case of viewing an object from the front in three-point perspective

For example, this screen depicts a case where the object is not viewed from a low-angle or high-angle perspective, but rather head-on, and the object is placed at an angle rather than horizontally.

In such special cases, even in three-point perspective, the horizontal lines appear not to converge.

Organized diagram

It can be summarized in a diagram like this.

Pitch, roll, and yaw: What are they? Meaning, definition, and simple explanation

The confusing part is the ‘situation in which the box is placed.’ Let’s organize this step by step. This time, we will classify it according to pitch, roll, and yaw.

Pitch refers to rotation in the vertical direction (x-axis), roll refers to rotation in the forward and backward direction (y-axis), and yaw refers to rotation in the left and right direction (z-axis). The terminology may vary depending on the medium.

It is quicker to remember this intuitively by referring to the diagram on the right.

Pitch is imagined as the head moving forward and backward, roll as the head tilting, and yaw as the head moving left and right.

Q: What exactly does it mean for a box to be placed horizontally or at an angle?

(1) The case where it is placed horizontally

Q: What exactly does it mean for the box to be placed horizontally or at an angle?

(1) In terms of rotational degrees, the case where all the angles of X, Y, and Z are 0° is the case where the box is placed horizontally.

(2) Rotation in the forward-backward direction (Pitch)

For example, if (1) is rotated 30° around the X-axis while keeping the other axes at 0°, the result would look like this.

In this case, the vertical lines appear to converge, but the horizontal lines do not seem to converge.

This case is a special case of three-point perspective. In this case, it becomes similar to two-point perspective (the vertical two-point perspective case).”

(3) Rotation in the forward-backward direction (Roll, Y-axis, depth)

For example, if it is rotated 30° around the Y-axis while keeping the other axes at 0°, the result would look like this. In this case, none of the lines appear to converge. This case becomes similar to one-point perspective.

(4) Horizontal rotation (Yaw, Z-axis, changing direction left-right)

For example, if it is rotated 30° around the Z-axis while keeping the other axes at 0°, the result would look like this.

This case becomes similar to two-point perspective rather than three-point perspective.

The convergence towards the vanishing point of the vertical lines is the key indicator

We have observed the three types of rotational axes: pitch, roll, and yaw. Among these, we learned that changing the pitch of the object results in a three-point perspective view.

The indicator for whether the object is pitched or not will be considered in terms of whether there is primarily a convergence towards the vertical vanishing point in the case of a cubic object.

Rotation of the observer’s viewpoint

We have observed the three types of rotation for a cubic object: pitch, roll, and yaw. Similarly, the rotation of the observer’s viewpoint can also be categorized into pitch, roll, and yaw. For example, a combination where the cube pitches while the observer’s viewpoint also pitches can be considered.

Even with just a simple distinction between rotating and not rotating, there are 64 possible combinations. If we were to distinguish based on the degrees of rotation, the number of combinations would be in the trillions.

Out of the 64 combinations, the one we should focus on is pitch. In this context, the three-point perspective refers to cases where there is at least a vertical vanishing point (it doesn’t matter if the horizontal lines don’t appear to converge).

1.  If the cube itself pitches, it can be said to be in three-point perspective. In other words, this is the case where the cube is placed at an angle.
2. If the observer’s viewpoint pitches, it can also be said to be in three-point perspective. In other words, this is the case where the observer is viewing the cube at an angle, not straight on.

The image would look like this when depicted.

Provisional hypothesis

The provisional hypothesis that has been obtained is that ‘in order to create a screen that converges to the vanishing point (at least seemingly) upwards and downwards, a change in the pitch of either the observer or the cube is necessary.’ There may be exceptions depending on specific combinations of angles (which have not yet been verified).

※Before any rotation, the cube is placed horizontally, facing horizontally, and the observer is looking straight ahead.

A question arises about what happens to the vanishing point when the cube is rolled, but for now, I will leave it on hold. Additionally, if a rolled cube and a non-rolled cube coexist in the same frame, how will the vanishing points behave?

This question will also be put on hold. Similarly, when both three-point perspective and two-point perspective coexist in one screen, this issue will also be left pending.

It can be assumed that a new vanishing point will likely be needed for a rolled cube. Additionally, even without considering a new vanishing point, it can be assumed that a cube can be created using the existing vanishing points, and from there, by applying some technique to rotate it, a naturally rolled cube can be created.

This is related to the issue where in one-point perspective, the diagonal lines in the front did not converge anywhere.

Also, while it can be assumed that multiple perspectives can coexist within a single image in principle, if the vanishing points are not unified, a sense of discomfort that was not present in three dimensions may arise when flattened into two dimensions.

This is related to the concept of human perspective, which is sometimes referred to as infinite-point perspective, involving more than three points. Limiting to one, two, or three points can be seen as a simplification. Since this has not been verified, it remains an assumption.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Three-Point Perspective

Examples of the advantages of three-point perspective

Three-point perspective makes it easier to create “dynamic and explosive compositions.” It can represent a wider (more realistic) field of view compared to one-point or two-point perspective.

For example, when we look at something, it is not always placed horizontally, nor do we always view it straight on. In our daily lives, we often look slightly up or down (even a 1° shift in vertical direction typically results in three-point perspective).

Additionally, even when our face is facing straight ahead, we may still move our eyes up and down.

That said, there may not be many situations in daily life where it is obvious that “this is a three-point perspective” (at least, not for me).

Looking up at a large building or looking down from a tall building is an exceptional case for me.

Specific examples of three-point perspective

For instance, compositions where you look up at a cityscape, viewpoints from high places looking down, or scenes of falling or soaring are well-suited. These perspectives are ideal for action scenes or creating suspense, and are often used in comics, movies, and video game cutscenes.

For example, it can be speculated that Spider-Man in American comics frequently uses this perspective. It is particularly effective when creating an extraordinary sense of dynamism, especially in contrast to the ordinary.

If extreme three-point perspective is used in every scene, it might result in a lack of contrast or variety. There are cases where the composition appears close to one-point or two-point perspective, but in practice, it functions as a three-point perspective (this may actually feel the most natural).

Also, for the sake of simplifying the artwork, there could be cases where it’s preferable to use one-point or two-point perspectives instead of three-point perspective.

Examples of the disadvantages of three-point perspective

(1)Restrictions when taking photographs

･To effectively capture a photo using three-point perspective, certain environments are necessary, such as a high vantage point for a bird’s-eye view (from a building or drone), or a low viewpoint for an upward perspective (by crouching or lying down).

･Standard cameras may find it difficult to capture this perspective, and specialized lenses or equipment may be required in some cases.

(2) Restrictions when drawing realistically

･Unlike other perspective methods, it is difficult to simply replicate the scene. Knowledge of techniques like using construction lines is necessary.

･If adjustments for the range of the scene or distortion are not considered, it can result in unnatural compositions.

･The physical and bodily constraints are greater than with photography. For instance, one would need to lie down for extended periods or constantly look downward to capture such a perspective.

(3) Difficulty when drawing from imagination

･While there are no physical or bodily constraints, the perspective becomes more complex than with two-point or one-point perspective. Additionally, it requires even more knowledge than when aiming for realism.

･The vanishing points often shift far outside the frame, making it more time-consuming to draw the lines. In manga, instead of creating perspective from scratch, it is common to extract reference points from photos, 3D models, or other illustrations. However, when wanting to add something extra to such references, knowledge of three-point perspective is crucial.

Examples of the disadvantages of three-point perspective

･When drawing characters that are not simple cubes, handling extreme perspective can be difficult, and it requires skill to maintain balance.

However, it is assumed in this video series that drawing characters like humans using perspective is not ideal (at least for beginners).

Perspective should be used primarily as a tool to understand the positioning, height, and depth, rather than being the main focus of the drawing. In other words, after gaining an understanding of perspective, one should focus on developing the skill to make the drawing appear natural, such as through life drawing.

The ultimate goal for beginners in perspective drawing is to be able to construct a cube in any perspective method. For other shapes like spheres or more complex objects, using 3D software like Blender (which is free) would be more efficient for quickly creating reference material. For spheres, it might be doable, but for more complex shapes, 3D software is definitely helpful.

The reason for learning perspective isn’t primarily for creating reference material, but rather as a kind of training to develop a sense of three-dimensionality (although architects might have a different approach).

 

Next Session Plans

Learn how to create three-point perspective (covering just a few methods).

References

Books that are easy for beginners to understand

David Chelsea「Extreme Perspective! For Artists: Learn the Secrets of Curvilinear, Cylindrical, Fisheye, Isometric, and Other Amazing Drawing Systems that Will Make Your Drawings Pop Off the Page 」

David Chelsea「Extreme Perspective! For Artists: Learn the Secrets of Curvilinear, Cylindrical, Fisheye, Isometric, and Other Amazing Drawing Systems that Will Make Your Drawings Pop Off the Page 」

The book contains many illustrations and is easy to understand. It also explains basic perspective terminology and provides a simple explanation of how to use perspective. However, it is important to note that the book focuses on ‘illustration (manga)’ rather than architectural perspective.

It is suitable as the first book to pick up for learning the basics of perspective in general.

Robbie Lee「Perspective Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide」

Robbie Lee「Perspective Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide」

This is a suitable book to pick up as the first one for learning the basics of perspective in general.

I found it to be simpler and more detailed than ‘Perspective! Learn Perspective Through Manga.’ Therefore, I especially recommend this book to beginners as their first read.

Scott Robertson「How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination」

Scott Robertson「How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination」

A book specialized in drawing, particularly focused on line art. Though somewhat complex, it provides a broad and in-depth explanation.

About the Japanese version of this article

This article is a translation of an article written in [https://souzoulog.com/2024/12/26/basic-of-perspective-6/]. For detailed references, please refer to this link.