Wide Angle Emphasis

Use The Foreground

One of the major reasons I prefer using a wide-angle lens isn’t that it shows an expansive view of a scene. It does, but that’s not the most effective use of the lens.

Consider the three photos here as examples. Each one uses a wide angle to highlight a foreground object, which in turn, enhances the depth of the entire scene. The foreground is not just a part of the picture, it's a key element in creating a three-dimensional effect.

Remember, the surrounding objects in your photo are not just there for decoration. They play a crucial role in telling the story, much like the second sentence in the opening paragraph of a good novel.

You are introduced to the story in the first sentence. It grabs your attention and then moves you to continue to read the paragraph.

The introduction is a foreground object emphasized with a wide-angle lens. It can’t be an object only to fill the foreground; it may be more important in telling the story than the background. The background may set the location or contributing action.

Even a moderate wide-angle lens, like a 35mm full frame lens, can be as effective as using a super wide. Look for foreground objects that begin the story. Objects that are the story. Put them in the ground and let the background complete the paragraph.

The real task is using the same technique to make photos with a telephoto lens. The advantage of the wide-angle lens is the greater depth of field, which allows for the inclusion of information in the background.

This is an effortless way to create strong compositions.

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