Street photography is all about capturing compelling scenes that hold the viewer’s attention. One powerful technique to elevate your images is layering. By incorporating depth through foreground, middle ground, and background elements, you can create dynamic photos that feel rich and dimensional.
Coming to you from Rupert Vandervell of New Ways of Seeing, this fascinating video explores the use of layering to add depth to urban photography. Vandervell highlights how you can structure your images with compositional techniques and camera settings. One example features a 1950s New York street scene by Ernst Haas. The use of a slow shutter speed introduces motion blur, softening the layers and adding atmosphere. In contrast, Vandervell demonstrates how sharpness across all layers can still achieve depth, as seen in his own work, where shadows and light strategically separate subjects. These techniques emphasize the importance of contrast and texture in enhancing three-dimensionality.
Foreground elements play a crucial role in creating depth. Vandervell illustrates this with an image where a car in the foreground frames the scene while adding a reflective surface for additional texture. He applies similar methods in his own photos by using walls, shadows, and framing devices to introduce layers. These choices transform otherwise static images into dynamic compositions. Experimenting with abstract elements, such as reflections or unexpected objects, can also add intrigue while contributing to the image’s depth.
Layering isn’t just about physical objects; light and color contribute significantly to the effect. The video shows how soft light in a nighttime image adds mood while still emphasizing layered elements like reflections and shadows. Vandervell points out that waiting for the right subject, such as a passerby in contrasting clothing, can elevate a scene from ordinary to extraordinary. Strategic use of color and selective focus are powerful tools for directing the viewer’s eye through an image.
The video also discusses how higher vantage points can enhance layering. By shooting downward, you can include multiple levels of interest in a single frame. Vandervell provides examples of using architectural features like balconies and shadows to guide the viewer’s gaze. These vertical layers add structure and context while maintaining balance. The combination of abstract patterns and human elements creates a more engaging composition. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Vandervell.
