Depth and foreground interest
What it is
This involves including objects in the foreground (the area closest to the lens) to create a visual bridge between the viewer and the midground or background of the scene.
Why it matters
Travel scenes often look flat because a camera records in two dimensions. Adding foreground elements creates a sense of scale and gives the image a three-dimensional, immersive feel.
A common pitfall
Photographers often ignore the space immediately in front of them, resulting in photos that feel disconnected from the subject.
What to look for when you’re shooting
- Find a rock, a flower, or a patch of texture at your feet to include at the bottom of your frame.
- Step closer to an object so it appears large enough to anchor the bottom of the photo.
- Crouch down to make the ground appear more prominent in the composition.
Drawing on canonical photography composition literature, cross-checked for accuracy. See the other entries for related dimensions.