310 Video Production Handbook (particularly the hand-waving types) are a regular problem, and there is little you can do except try as much as possible to keep them out of the shot. 12.14 FOREGROUND PIECES objects can be deliberately positioned in the foreground of an image to improve its composition, to increase the impression of distance, or simply to hide something in the scene. many exterior shots have foliage hanging into the top of the frame. it is almost a visual cliché. But the camera operator has done this because the picture looks more complete, and it gives a better sense of scale than if there was just a blank open sky. with this "frame," the picture tends to look more balanced and no longer bottom heavy. when there does not happen to be an overhanging tree to shoot past, a piece of a tree branch can always be held above the lens. if this positively impacts the look of the picture, do it, and your audience will never know. Although the television's picture itself usually has a fixed horizontal aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9), a foreground window, an arch, or a similar opening can