Forced perspective
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Forced perspective is a technique that employs optical illusion to make an object appear farther away, closer, larger or smaller than it actually is. It manipulates human visual perception through the
This image makes the Paranal Observatory's laser guide stars' "meeting point" feel closer than it really is. In reality, the beams extend to an infinite distance.
Use of forced perspective with tourist attractions like the Leaning Tower of Pisa is popular in tourist photography.
Forced perspective in the Roman Emperor Constantine's Aula Palatina, Trier: The windows and the coffer in the apse are smaller, and the apse has a raised floor.
From the outside, the true size of the apsis windows is apparent.
Ames room
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An Ames room is a distorted room that creates an optical illusion. Likely influenced by the writings of Hermann Helmholtz, American scientist Adelbert Ames Jr. invented the concept and patented it in
Forced perspective
…its apparent size decreases as distance from the audience increases. This phenomenon is that of the manipulation of angular and apparent size. The Ames room attraction in some museums and amusement parks takes advantage of distance to make people appear different sizes in corners of a room that appears…
Photograph of two adults standing in an Ames room, apparently with a significant difference in size