The use of foreground in photographic composition

Introduction: The most interesting thing about photography is that it can show three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional plane. That is to show the height, width and depth of things, and to achieve this effect, composition is very important. Below we will explain to readers one of the common techniques of composition? The use of foreground.

What is the foreground?

The foreground is a factor that cannot be ignored in photographic composition. As an integral part of a photo, they can highlight the subject and add space and depth to the photo. Therefore, in photographic composition, the correct use of foreground and background can make the scenery in the photo more harmonious and unified, and thus more appealing. In order to achieve this simulated effect, some foreground must be used to create an illusion, making the photo appear to have more space and depth.

How to use the foreground

1. Guide the subject

The most common is to use the foreground to guide the audience's sight to the main part. Using a wide-angle lens with the foreground can also exaggerate the sense of space and depth. However, at this time, it is best for the foreground to also guide the line of sight. For example, use a winding mountain road to lead to the village, use a row of the same trees to lead to the tower, etc. .

2. Enhance contrast

If you include some black objects or silhouettes in the foreground of the photo. This creates a strong contrast and emphasizes the dark and light background. For example, in the picture below, the black stones in the foreground are used to highlight the sky behind, making the composition particularly vivid.

Photography: Tree Chow

3. Add interest

When taking landscape photos, anything can be used to add interest to the foreground, thereby giving the photo depth. feel. It can be trees, animals, buildings or vehicles, but they must relate to the overall picture. Otherwise, the entire picture will become inconsistent and destroy the overall artistic conception. As shown in the picture below, wooden piles are used as the foreground, which successfully brings out the distance of the sky behind, and also makes the composition no longer monotonous.

Special effects

1. Wide-angle lens

Using a wide-angle lens and low-angle shooting, as well as the distortion produced by the lens itself, can further highlight the interest of the foreground. In the picture below, this technique was used to successfully capture the feeling of a connection between heaven and earth. At the same time, it also magnifies the water surface in the foreground, creating an exaggerated effect.

Photography: Tree Chow

2. Long Lens

To shoot interesting foregrounds is not limited to wide-angle lenses, long lenses can also be used effectively. Moreover, long lenses can compress perspective, which can be greatly used to make the foreground more prominent. The picture below uses the silhouette of flowers as the foreground and is shot with a long lens, so that the sunset and silhouette are fully captured in the frame, enhancing the atmosphere.

Clever use of the foreground can greatly enhance your photography fun. In fact, there are many different ways to compose a picture, and I will explain them to you when I get the chance. In the end, you will benefit more from thinking, seeing and feeling before taking a photo than pressing the shutter button too many times.