Visual Storytelling Series: Establishing Depth
I was on a long run in crisp October in Vermont on the dirt backroads, where every step is crisp and cracks underfoot. I was a few miles away from home, my breathing deep and visible in the cold air. But something stopped me mid-stride. I heard odd noises in the bush up ahead. My ears perked. I thought it couldn't be anything that dangerous, but you never know out there; black bears are occasionally sighted, and catamounts are rare. I took a few steps forward only to realize, to my relief, a loose cow was munching away contently at the grass with a white-eyed look of "yes?" I started laughing only then, seeing the whole picture of the setting. I peered through the leaves and brush, only to see the rest of herd in the pasture. Wild Child, Baby Carrot, Maple… everyone had an adorable name. The whole scene felt like an illustration from a children's storybook. A peek into another little world, a story that was mine to witness. The golden maple leaves and old stone wall were the perfect frames for these sweet creatures' world.
This country story does have a point, apart from just a fond memory. It reminded me of the importance of establishing depth and perspective. Moreover, how important is it to draw the viewer in through a frame or leading line to create a compelling visual story. If I were to capture the cows without any leaves or stone wall in the foreground, it still would be an interesting photograph, but by adding the leaves and gate into the frame it suggests as if I'm peering into something secret or a hidden perspective we get a chance to take a peek at. It helps further tell a story about what actually happened in the moment, as I just stumbled across them by chance. You can create a window-like effect by composing the photograph with elements in the setting, such as leaves, foliage, flowers, walls, a piece of linen, the framework of an entryway… Architectural structures and door frames can be very compelling in a capture. It's a simple but effective visual trick to firmly immerse the viewer into your story and set the stage for what's happening or coming.
Let's take another hypothetical example of a freshly baked cake on a table. Rather than photographing the scene as it is in the most forward and "here's a cake on a table" way, what if you stepped back into the other room and used the doorway to frame it? Or what if you used the edge of the table the cake is sitting on and shot at eye level?
Before shooting, take a look around your subject and scene. Experiment with different perspectives before you dive right in, clicking away. What elements around you could elevate and frame your scene in a natural way? What if you placed your camera behind the glass door and captured the cake looking through the glass? I often put my camera directly into a bush or leaves and manually hold a few in place until it looks right. Sometimes it a matter of merely lower or raising your camera, walking a few steps to the forward, back, left or right. Creating depth and establishing perspective helps you guide your viewer through your image subtly or overtly if you wish.
Take a few photos with and without the framing and visual layering, and compare what looks best and enhances the story you're trying to tell.
I hope this helps!
Alanna
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Taken with iPhone on my run running
Taken with iPhone on my run running
The leaves on the left added another layer of interest and frame the beautiful house. (Although I prefer it without but there were so many people in the way!)
The leaves create an ethereal window effect as if you’ve just discovered a path into a magical world,
Rather than showing an open sky, I liked the rounded framing affect the pine trees added to the scene. It feels like you just came across this gorgeous home on a country walk out of nowhere.
The leaves feel like you peering into a hidden valley and gives the photo a sense of depth and distance.
I crouched down to look at the garden through a different perspective which isn’t typically seen. It gives the photograph another level of interest opposed to shooting from the balcony at eye level.
The green leaves further enhances the summery alfresco feel with the dappled light.
I was transfixed by the blousy, wispy cow parsley in the garden so I, again, lowered myself to evoke that ethereal feeling of being in a surrounded by these white blossoms. This vantage point feels very romantic too…
I drove by this mystical woodland of bluebells and I kneeled down to show the rock wall. From this vantage point it makes it feel like I’m peering into a magical world, maybe a fairy wizzing by!
This little window of leaves I found in the garden surrounding Lady Diana’s statue creates a feeling of intimacy with a softer perspective, much like herself and the what she represents.