Do you always feel that your photos lack punch?
Or perhaps you wonder why your photos are looking flat.
It’s not your subject’s faultnor is it your camera or lens' fault.
Instead, blame it on bad composition.
Composition is one of the key things that beginner photographers often overlook.
One way to take eye-catching photos is to add layers to your composition.
Are you interested to learn more?
Let’s dive in.
What Are Layers in Composition?
You’ve heard it many times: keep your composition simple.
Why Add Layers to Your Photos?
As it’s possible for you to see, adding layers to your composition is quite simple.
You just have to train your eye to see the layers before composing.
Adding layers is one of the surefire ways to take professional photos.
Here is why layers are so effective.
This practice will also ensure your images do not look flat.
In addition, having layers help guide the viewer’s eyes between them.
Adding a foreground and background shows the viewers a sense of space.
Although this is crucial for landscape photography, other types of photography also benefit from adding layers.
At the same time, you’re also capturing the subtle details around your subject.
When you add layers, you’ve got the option to include shapes and textures in your images.
Try different perspectives along with layers to make your subject stand out more.
For example, adding flowers in the foreground of your portrait can give it a summery feel.
Or, including a misty mountain in the background can better show your viewers the mood.
Avoid adding too many elements wanting attention in all three layers.
Keep your main subject in one layer and add the secondary elements in the rest of the two layers.
Here are some tips to remember.
Know Your Subject
You should first identify your subject to use layers in your composition correctly.
For example, a vast water body or a huge mountain is not a proper subject.
Instead, find a subject like a boat or a building to make your composition powerful.
Then, add the layers with secondary elements so that your subject will catch your viewer’s eyes.
Step Back
Cropping your scene very tight can be counterproductive in many instances.
Capture as many elements as you might, and you might later crop them out in post-production.
There are manybenefits of owning a wide-angle lens, and it can help you see in layers too.
Use the Grids on Your Camera
This is a simple and easyrule to improve your composition.
It can also be a great tool to segregate your scene into three layers.
When you’re composing the scene, having the grid lines will help you visualize the layers easily.
Here are somegreat iPhone photography tips.
Adjust the highlights and shadows and place them in different areas to get the same effect as adding layers.
Photography is all about light and shadows, so learning to manipulate them can make you a better photographer.
And, it is easier to find clutter when your photos are black and white.
Also, shooting in black and white brings out the textures and shapes in your scene.
If you are looking to improve your photography, start by focusing on composition.
Then, try adding layers as the next step.
Take simple shots and compare them with those with layers.
Experimenting by trial and error can train your eye and help you advance in your photographic pursuits.
