Did you know that there is one simple trick that will help you create images with more depth and interest? By simply adding something in your foreground, before your subject, you will create an image with more depth and tell a better story. This is called foreground interest and its one of the fundamental compositional tools of photography.

To create a photo with depth, you need to create visual layers. For most photos, this is referred to as foreground, middle ground and background. The subject is often in the middle ground, but it can also be in the foreground. The more layers that are created in a photo, the more it will project a feeling of depth.

While this seems like a super simple and obvious tool in the photographers toolbox, it’s also the one I notice is often missing (even in my own work!). When I scroll through a feed I notice that the subject is front and center, often placed horizontally across the frame, with nothing inviting me into the scene. This creates a static and flat image. Which is fine if the intention is to create a portrait or an intentionally flat image, but this doesn’t work if the goal is to create a magical world where the toys are alive.

The three basic layers of a photograph

Every photograph has three basic layers. The foreground (what’s in front of the subject), the middle ground (often the subject), and the background. How you play with these three basic layers will define how much depth is projected into your image. Of course depth is not always the objective of an image. If it’s yours, keep reading.

How much space between these three layers is determined by the intentions of the photographer and the location. In landscape and street photography there can be a lot of implied space between these layers. While in studio and portrait photography, these layers are often compressed. For most toy photographers, these layers are more often than not compressed due to the circumstances. Because of this, layers and foreground interest are often overlooked when setting up a photo.

When I review my own work, I can see that I don’t always create a strong foreground interest. But when I do, I love the final results. So let’s dive into foreground interest, with plenty of examples.

What is foreground interest

Foreground is anything that is either the subject or comes before the subject that acts as an invitation into the image. This can be as simple as foliage, framing, or an accessory. It doesn’t have to be complex, simply an item that says, this image has depth. Foreground interest is a common element of landscape photography. Who hasn’t taken a photo of a fantastic landscape and looked around for something of interest to be in the foreground? Grass, a lone tree, interesting rock, pretty flower…you get the idea.

As master’s of our own universe’s we can add all types of elements to an image to create depth and interest. Unlike landscape photographers, we’re not limited to what’s available. Below is a simple illustration of the additional depth that can be achieved in an image by adding a foliage in front of the figures. The green leaves that I added in front of the figures also helps to add a touch of framing.

What happens when you add foreground interest to your images?

Now let’s look at what happens when you add foreground interest to your images. In these six examples I want to show you that by adding a prop, or changing my point of view, I can add additional depth to my images. My goal is for the viewer to feel as if they’re being ‘pulled’ into the image.

Foreground: flowers, Middleground: subject, Background: diffused greenery
Foreground: grass, Middleground: boat on water, Background: diffused autumn trees
Foreground: stormtroopers, Middleground: Ashoka on Dinorider, Background: diffused greenery
Foreground: flowers placed on grass, Middleground: subjects, Background: blue sky and more grass
Foreground: Swamp Monster figure, Middleground: Girl on boat: Background: dark forest trees

Did you feel as if you’re being pulled into the image by effectively using a strong foreground layer? I hope that you can see that you can use this tool in both in studio or outdoor set-ups.

Final words

When playing on the macro level with photography, adding foreground interest requires intention. When I look over my images, I can see where I’ve fallen short in my own images. I see plenty of missed opportunities to have added a strong first layer. Which is why it takes practice and intention when crafting a strong photograph.

When I teach my Composition workshop, where we explore six composition techniques, I see the biggest leap in the participants work. Understanding composition and how we use these techniques to craft a photo is an often overlooked skill. My own talk around toy photography often centers around the underlying story. But that is only part of the equation. There is so much more to photography! Understanding the camera, how to use lighting effectively and composition are the core skills of every photographer.

While using practical effects with toys often takes center stage in our discussions, if you want to elevate your photographs start with composition. And why not start with an easy tool, foreground interest. If you want to craft compelling and visually strong images, I invite you to add foreground interest to your photos.

Adding foreground interest to your images is one trick to adding depth to a photo. What’s your favorite compositional trick for adding depth to an image?