How Figure-to-Ground Can Improve Your Photography
Photographic composition is how a photographer constructs a scene with the elements they have; subjects, backgrounds and foregrounds. There are many composition principles, but today we are looking at one that can improve how your subject relates to the background.
Figure-to-ground is a composition rule that aims to separate the elements in your scene, allowing them to pop. When these elements separate, the story and meaning of the photograph shine through.
On Stage by Manuel Sieber
What is Figure-to-Ground?
The figure-to-ground is one of the first visual perceptual skills we learn from a very early age. As our eyes improve, we start to focus on objects. We start to make out their shape, colour, contrast, and tonal range, extracting the meaning and purpose of the object. We can only do this by separating the background from where our focus lies.
Our eyes work best when the subject and background are different. Try reading white text on a white page - see what I mean? Contrast is what makes it possible. We tend to place black text on white backgrounds as It's much easier and less time consuming to read. In this example, the text is the figure (most important; subject), while the white page is the ground (least important; background).
Figure-to-ground is an essential compositional rule in photography. Still, most photographers miss the shot when applying it to their scenes.
The sky is a neighbourhood by Lior Yaakobi
Why is Figure-to-Ground an Important Photographic Composition?
Compelling photography comes from pulling together elements in a scene, by using composition. Figure-to-ground is key in separating your main subject from their surroundings. It allows the viewer to focus on them easily.
Whether you are capturing landscapes or shooting portraits, there will always be a figure and a ground. If these elements are not separated, the viewer's eyes bounce around looking for a place to rest them. If they can’t find peace, you'll lose their attention.
Thinking about figure-to-ground when shooting allows you to create more powerful photography. Remember - a photograph is a 2D object, where depth can’t help to separate the elements, so you’ll need to use other tools.
Woman and Child by Manuel Sieber
Choose Your Background And Then Your Subject
Depending on your field of photography, you’ll approach a scene in one of two ways. Either you choose your background first, or the subject. Which is most important to you? As a street photographer, I flip between both, but it is easier when the background comes first.
After locating a great setting, changing my position and perspective allows me to arrange the elements in the frame. From here, I am free to wait for the right element to present itself. Usually, a person going about their day. Not only does it narrow down my focus, but I also don’t have to move. This way, I can wait for the decisive moment.
Separating the elements will depend on the background. A light figure will need a dark background to stand out or vice versa. By waiting for that new element, I can assure they stand out.
TIP: If you feel like you found your ‘ground’, change your perspective until presented with the lightest/darkest combination
Escaping from the tower by Walter Caielli
Choose Your Subject And Then Match The Background
The other way is to first find your subject, then capture them against a contrasting background. For example, a woman wearing a dark dress will need a lighter background to allow them to stand out. This is more difficult than choosing your ground first, as you’ll need to think on your feet.
This way of composing your scene will be more beneficial for events or portraiture, for example. This is where the subjects are the most important elements. Here, you aim to help them to separate from the surroundings, making them clearer and easier to see.
TIP: This is a perfect opportunity for spot metering your subject
Dancing on the wave by Claudio Moretti
Look For Contrast
Contrast is a fundamental part of photography to separate elements from each other. Contrast means difference, where opposites in light and colour have the strongest impact. Think of silhouettes against a sun-drenched sky or red clothing in front of a grey building.
If you’re looking for contrast in your scene, look to where the strongest light is falling. You should be able to pinpoint the lightest and darkest areas of your scene. By placing a light or dark subject in front of its opposite or contra, you’ll create an edge assignment. Captured correctly and the figure will be disconnected from its ground.
This is a great technique to use when presented with a scene full of unwanted textures, details and/or colours. If you cut them out, they won't distract from the subject.
TIP: Use shade and shadows as much as possible
Tree and moon by Reyhane Khavaninzadeh
Use Colour Contrast To Separate
Colour is very important in many aspects of photography, and it’s a simple way to split the elements in your scene. You can look at using them in two ways; by including the colours that complement or contrast each other.
With figure-to-ground, we are looking to separate the elements, not bring them closer together. For this, contrasting colours work best as they work against each other and stand out more. Purple on orange, yellow with blue, red next to green, and black with any light colour will help keep elements separate.
The benefit of using colour is they can also add an atmosphere, and sometimes, tension. As the contrasting colours go against each other, the viewer can sense it in the image, making it more interesting.
TIP: Don’t go overboard - one main colour and one supporting colour are enough!
Alone by Michal Richtr
Look For A Change In Tonal Range
If you're capturing a scene in black and white, colour contrast offers no help. Instead, you'll need to focus on the tonal range (range of greys between black and white) of your scene. A subdued light source (natural light on an overcast day) will limit the available contrast your image can capture.
With scenes that present more greys than black and whites, look to where your subject fits into the scene. A lighter area in the background will provide the best placement for your subject if they are darker. Aim to envelop the subject as much as possible to grab the viewer's attention.
TIP: Don’t be afraid in adding your own light with flash or reflector
Love always win by Maryam Jafari
Turn The Ground Into A Figure
Most compositions in photography can also work in their reversed state. This adds interest through rule-breaking. If you are in a scene that you feel is more important than the subject in it - use it! You can use the ground as your figure, supporting the scene with subjects as the ground.
Be aware of the scene, and ensure the subjects are reinforcing the ground as the main area of focus. The subjects will cross on the foreground plane, so keep the darkest areas closest to you for the greatest effect.
TIP: Look for interesting backgrounds for the best use of figure-ground reversal
The Wellcome Collection Staircase by Ursula Rodgers
We are always looking for more visibility in our photography. Making the subject stand out is a staple from the figure-to-ground composition. Use it, and you'll grab the viewer's attention every time.
Keep the scene simple, and focus where your subject lands in connection to the background. Once you capture black on white or light on dark, play around with your perspective until you do it without trying.