ShiftN

ShiftN is a powerful software that allows users to correct converging lines in photographs in a hassle-free way. Converging lines in photographs, especially of buildings or forests, can often detract from the desired effect. Architectural elements in photographs tend to have diagonal lines, but our minds associate buildings with vertical and horizontal lines. This perspective problem occurs due to the film-plane being angled relative to the object of the photo.

To avoid this effect optically, expensive equipment like a shift lens, or the use of a medium or large-format view camera with swing features are required. Shift lenses allow for the lens to be shifted perpendicularly to the z-axis, keeping the film level parallel to the subject, and avoiding convergence. However, this solution is mechanically and optically complex, making it comparatively expensive.

For those shooting with a "point and shoot" camera where changing lenses is not an option, digital photography or scanning existing photos from prints can offer new possibilities for manipulating pictures. This is where ShiftN proves itself as an integral part of any photographer’s software arsenal.

ShiftN’s automated correction capabilities allow for easy correction of converging lines and poor camera angles in photographs. The program automatically searches for straight lines and edges in the image, considering those that are sufficiently vertical as architectural elements. On the basis of these straight line segments, ShiftN runs an optimization process that attempts to determine the correct perspective, correcting the image so the lines are made parallel to each other.

The menu’s “automatic correction” item recognizes and corrects most cases, providing users with a pleasing result every time. Overall, ShiftN's ease of use, automation, and correction capabilities make it an essential software for any aspiring photographer looking to enhance their architectural photos or any other photos that require perspective correction.