Swing back and swing front are photographic terms that refer to the movable panels of the lens and back on most view and monorail cameras. These adjustable components allow photographers to tilt or rotate the lens or film plane independently, giving precise control over perspective, composition, and depth of field.
Using swing movements, photographers can correct converging lines in architectural photography, achieve extended focus in product or landscape shots, and creatively manipulate the plane of focus. Mastery of swing back and swing front techniques is essential for those working with large format cameras or any setup requiring advanced perspective and focus control.