Vanishing Point

The vanishing point is a key concept in perspective drawing and photography, representing the point on the horizon line where parallel lines appear to converge as they recede into the distance. Most evident in architectural and urban photography, vanishing points create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional medium. One-point perspective has a single vanishing point directly ahead, creating a strong central focus (like looking down a straight road). Two-point perspective has two vanishing points on the horizon, typically used when viewing subjects at an angle (like the corner of a building). Three-point perspective adds a third vanishing point above or below the horizon, often used in extreme wide-angle or looking up/down at tall structures. Photographers use vanishing points intentionally to create powerful compositions that draw the viewer's eye into the image, establishing depth and guiding attention to specific areas.