Ever wonder how some people manage to click aesthetically pleasing pictures? Well, the answer is quite simple – they use Composition rules/techniques to creatively arrange the various elements present in the scene which instantly draws the viewer’s attention.
We’ve explained Composition techniques like Rule of Thirds, Centred Composition, Leading Lines, Fill the Frame, Pattern & Texture, Rule of Odds, Colour Theory, Frame within a Frame, Simplicity & Minimalism, Rule of Space, Left to Right Rule, Isolate the Subject & Negative Space Composition in our previous blogs. Now, it’s time to move on to the next Composition technique – Foreground Interest & Depth.
What is Foreground in Photography
The Foreground consists of anything that lies between you and your subject.
Look at the above image of the Waterfall
The Rocks in front of the waterfall form the Foreground in the scene.
When to use Foreground Composition in Photography
You can ideally use Foreground Composition while capturing Landscapes, Waterscapes or Seascapes.
What can you use as a Foreground in Photography
- Rocks in front of a Stream
- Small Flowers/Plants/Grass in the Mountain area
- Fossils/Pebbles/Shells on an Island/Beach
- Fallen Leaves in the Woods
In the above pic, a Moving Boat in front of the Waterfall was used as a Foreground.
Reasons why you should use Foreground Composition in Photography
- To give a 3D Feel to your Images/ To create a Layered Image
- To add a sense of depth to your scene
- It gives the viewer the feeling of being physically present at the photographed place
- So that the colour, texture, pattern & shape of the foreground object enhances the photo’s visual impact
Take a look at the below image of the Rainbow Falls in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya where the Rocks served as the Foreground Interest
And a picture with a Riverside Setting in Meghalaya where the Rocks & the Stationed Boats form the Foreground
Now, take a look at the below images of these places – the Image on the Left is without any Foreground & the Image on the Right with a Foreground
- In both the above images, you clearly notice that the Images on the Left (without any Foreground) are FLAT Images whereas the Images on the Right (with a Foreground) are more appealing due to the 3D Feel & sense of depth.
Protips:
- Look for Natural Objects in the Surroundings that can serve as the Foreground Interest
- Use Wide Angle Lens to capture all the elements in the scene
- Try lowering your camera angle or adjust the angle in such a way that you are able to include the Foreground Object, inside the frame.
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Foreground Interest & Depth with the help of practical examples.
