Photo Composition: Depth
Creating Dynamic Photos with Background, Subject, and Foreground
Thanks for inviting me!
Today, we’ll explore how to create dynamic photos using three essential elements:
Background
Subject (located in the middle ground)
Foreground
First, I’ll tell you a bit about me…
My photography career
My photography journey began when I was a senior in high school when I was gifted a camera for Christmas. I joined a community photography club when I was in college and continued doing photo sessions for friends and family.
Photography eventually became a big part of my career as a marketing manager for nonprofits where I photographed events and success stories of our clients. I also had a freelance photography business on the side for 10 years where I photographed weddings, families, and seniors.
I sold prints and postcards in a gallery for 7 years and sell postcards in the BCMM.
I went full time with my own business 6 years ago in 2018. I now provide branding services like strategy, messaging, logos, photography and websites. (The photography I do now is mainly client success story photography.) I teach photography courses at local museums including a Digital Camera Crash Course coming up on February 1st at WKMA.
3 Fields of Depth
Have you ever taken a photo and then noticed something distracting in the background after the fact? Have you ever felt like your photos were missing something in the composition?
Today, we’ll explore how to create dynamic photos using three essential elements:
Background
Subject (located in the middle ground)
Foreground
Though not every image needs this type of composition, these tips can help you make your images feel more layered, interesting, and engaging.
Image Example: A full-width image that incorporates all three elements (background, subject, and foreground) with a short caption explaining how they work together in this shot.
Step 1: Start with your Background
Your background sets the stage for your photo. Choosing a background that complements the subject and avoids distractions can make your image more powerful.
Tips:
Watch for distractions that could pull attention away from your subject.
Use contrast to make the subject stand out.
Find backgrounds that add context or atmosphere.
Step 2: Choose your subject
The subject is the focal point of your image. It’s what you want the viewer to notice first.
Tips:
Keep the subject clear and make it the most noticeable element.
Experiment with positioning, like using the rule of thirds.
Try different angles to add interest, like shooting from above, below, or through something.
Step 3: Add depth with foreground elements
Foreground elements can add depth to your image and guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject.
Tips:
Use foreground details to create depth and dimension.
Instead of avoiding objects in the foreground, try to bring them into the frame.
Try framing your subject with existing elements like branches or doorways.
Keep the foreground simple so it doesn’t distract from the subject.
Example Image & Caption: Show a photo with a foreground element, such as leaves, a path, or an architectural detail, that adds depth. Caption it to explain how the foreground adds interest to the image.
Challenge: Think about the whole frame
Instead of focusing only on the subject, try carefully considering all three elements—subject, foreground, and background—while you compose your photo. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the overall feel of the image.
Challenge Instructions:
Find a subject in the classroom or courtyard and pay attention not only to your main subject but also to the elements around it.
Ask yourself: How can the background complement or contrast the subject? What can you place in the foreground to add depth? How can these elements come together to make the subject stand out more?
Take a few photos experimenting with different foreground and background choices. Notice how each element can add balance, context, and interest to the subject.
See it in action
Here are a few more examples to reference as you work with these techniques. Notice how background, subject, and foreground come together in each image to immerse the viewer and help the image feel more engaging.
