Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:27:34 +0000

Foreshortening: Mastering the Technique to Supercharge Your Visual Storytelling In the world of visual arts, photography, film, and illustration, foreshortening is a powerful technique that adds depth, realism, and dramatic impact to your compositions. Whether you’re working with human figures, architecture, or nature, mastering foreshortening can transform amateur byproducts into professional masterpieces. But what exactly is foreshortening, and how can you use it effectively in your creative work? ### What Is Foreshortening? Foreshortening is a linear perspective technique used to depict an object or figure that appears shorter or compressed as it extends toward or away from the viewer. This optical illusion mimics how we naturally perceive depth in the real world—such as when a person’s arm or leg projects forward, seemingly foreshortened due to angle and distance.