Photographic Composition 101 Part III: Near-Far Relationships

Clarence  Spindler, Gibson County, Indiana

I'm posting this series on photographic composition to help us remember to compose our pictures in ways that will give them the three-dimensional quality which helps communicate our thoughts and feelings most effectively. Most of us know this stuff, but I, at least, need an occasional reminder to use what I know.

In the previous two posts we talked about framing, which is an excellent way to create a three-dimensional effect in a photograph. However, there are many situations where an appropriate frame simply isn't available.

One alternate way to create that feeling of depth in a picture is by establishing a near/far relationship. In the photo above, Clarence Spindler and the kitten would have made a nice photo all by themselves. However, by setting Mr. Spindler and kitten in the foreground and his Rock City barn in the background, we create a visual relationship in which each element adds interest to the other. Canon EOS A2, 24mm f2.8 Zuiko lens. From my award-winning book Rock City Barns: A Passing Era.

Barn and Pond, Cherokee Valley Road, Catoosa County, Georgia

In this picture, the reeds occupy the foreground, the barn's reflection is in the middle distance, and finally, the barn, with its vivid, red color. (Lost my notes and don't remember which camera I used for this photograph.) This photo and the one below are from my limited-edition book Georgia: A Backroads Portrait.

Lookout Mountain from McLemore Cove, Walker County, Georgia

The bale of hay in the foreground and the bales scattered in the middle ground all direct the viewer's eye to Lookout Mountain, magnificent in its fall clothing. Pentax 6x7, 105mm f2.5 Takumar lens. All photographs with Fujichrome 100 film.

Photographs and text copyright 1996-2022, David B.Jenkins.

I post Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week unless life gets in the way.

Soli Gloria Deo

For the glory of God alone