What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Today, I want to share some advice on layering in street photography. I’ll take you behind the scenes of my photographs, talk about my process, and share things I’ve learned over the past decade.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it. You can visit my blog at dantesisofo.com and check out my Start Here page for different resources. I’ve got videos on how I mastered street photography, my approach to photo books, and even some of my contact sheets.
The Art of Layering
Mastering layers in street photography takes practice, patience, and persistence. It’s a way of seeing that develops over time. The secret? Shoot a lot.
If there’s anything interesting happening—don’t stop shooting. You leave when the scene leaves you. Stay as long as possible, because the best shots rarely happen in a single snap. Work your observational skills, and focus on the foreground, middle ground, and background.
“At the end of the day, photography is a visual game and a physical pleasure.”
Think: Where must I position myself and the camera for the puzzle pieces to align? Photography is visual problem-solving.
Observing a Scene in Mumbai
In Mumbai, at Bandra Fort, I arrived and immediately noticed the beautiful light, colorful clothing, and birds flying—there was a potential photograph to be made.
My Approach to the Scene
- Observe the scene.
- Move my body and respond with intuition.
- Look for foreground, middle ground, and background.
- Combine elements to break up the frame.
By positioning myself close to the subjects, I used the layering technique to combine the bridge, the water, and the woman in the foreground. These three elements created a cohesive composition.
“The art of layering has nothing to do with cramming a million different pieces together. Less is more.”
Key Takeaway: Simplify the frame. Start with the background, then plug in the other elements.
The Bird in Flight: Capturing the Perfect Moment
As I explored Bandra Fort, I noticed an opportunity to create a layered composition that captured the essence of the scene. The main photo I made was a spontaneous moment—a bird in flight passing through the doorway, framed by a window in the background.
This image came together through patience and observation. I positioned myself strategically, ensuring the foreground elements—such as the textured wall—didn’t overpower the scene. The window in the background acted as a frame within the frame, and the bird in mid-flight added a dynamic touch that completed the composition.
“It’s all about positioning—when you align the elements, the story unfolds naturally.”
I observed the patterns of the birds flying through the fort, made multiple passes through the scene, and waited for the right moment to press the shutter. The result? A photograph that combines structure, spontaneity, and storytelling.
Key Takeaway: Pay attention to recurring patterns in movement—whether it’s people, birds, or gestures. Timing and positioning are crucial.
Mexico: A Lesson in Patience and Persistence
Take, for instance, a photograph I made in Mexico City. I followed my intuition and found myself in the mountains, watching a man exclaim “Mexico, Mexico” with his arms outstretched. Behind him, a sculpture of Jesus mirrored his gesture.
This composition didn’t happen instantly. I took hundreds of photos, experimenting with different angles and perspectives, deleting most of them, and keeping only the one where everything aligned.
“I positioned myself above him, looking down, and just as his arms extended, I clicked. That split second felt like the culmination of all the moments leading up to it.”
The secret sauce is simple: observe, adapt, and when the right moment comes—act.
A Joyous Discovery in Napoli
To create layered compositions, I spend time with the people I photograph. I immerse myself in their world, allowing connections to form naturally.
When I was in Napoli, Italy, I wasn’t there to make photographs—I was simply on vacation with my brother, enjoying the sun, the sea, and the culture. We were lounging by the Mediterranean, sunbathing on the rocks, and indulging in the local seafood. Photography wasn’t on my mind, but by simply being present, fully engaged in the moment, and taking in my surroundings, I found a composition that reflected the joy of that day.
I remember the day spent on the rocky shore where locals had tied a watermelon to a rock, letting it chill in the sea like a natural refrigerator. Hours later, they pulled it out and began slicing it open. I framed the scene from above, using the watermelon as a central element, positioning the people around it, and incorporating a man swimming in the background to add depth.
“Sometimes, all you need is to be present, enjoy life, and have your camera ready. The photographs will come to you.”
Key Takeaway: Let go of the pressure to always be ‘on the hunt’ for photos. Be present, enjoy the experience, and trust that the right moments will come naturally. To make a layered composition, you interact with people; you don’t just take a picture and leave.
These moments happen when you let the scene guide you.
Lessons from the Streets of Jericho
In Jericho, Palestine, I spent time with a group of kids playing near an empty playground frame, doing pull-ups and interacting with them.
“These Palestinian kids were playing on an empty frame on the border of Jericho. I captured the dynamic composition through play—doing pull-ups on the bar and hanging out with them.”
It’s all about being present, interacting, and letting the scene evolve naturally.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Positioning and Intuition
Using layers in street photography is one of the most challenging techniques to master. Here are a few key tips:
- Observe the scene. Whether it’s a bus stop, a market vendor, or kids playing soccer, take your time.
- Be patient. Allow the elements to align naturally.
- Find the background first. A clean background makes layering easier.
- Position your camera wisely. Look for “choke points” where movement naturally aligns.
- Watch for gestures. Hands, feet, and facial expressions can add dynamic layers.
- Shoot more than you think you should.
- Move around. Closer isn’t always better; sometimes stepping back works.
- Interact with your subjects. Don’t just be a bystander.
- Foreground, middle ground, background. When it clicks, you’ll feel it.
- Never leave the scene—let the scene leave you.
The Importance of Patience: A Philadelphia Backyard Moment
This is an example of a successful layered photograph I made in my backyard in Philadelphia. I spent hours working this scene, aligning elements to capture the perfect moment—a rainbow over the fountain.
- I observed the light and water interaction.
- I positioned myself strategically.
- I took the risk of hopping into the fountain to get the right shot.
“Luck favors the prepared. Get in there, get close, and make the picture.”
Grandmother and Gesture: Finding Emotion in the Everyday
Photographing the people close to me is no different. I captured a photograph of my grandmother, Mimi—rest in peace. Maybe it wasn’t the most flattering photo, but as a street photographer, we don’t pose each other; we take the shot as it is. I positioned my camera close to her face, using her arm to break up the frame, and I noticed how her gesture and the red of her lips interacted with the people in the background.
“You look for those things to break the frame up, and these things happen naturally through your vision.”
The gesture of her hand, the way it filled part of the frame, became the focal point that brought the composition together.
Embrace the Chaos: Letting the Scene Unfold
I’ve always enjoyed scenes with a bit of chaos—frames that are filled with energy and movement. For me, the unpredictable is where the magic happens.
“I like positioning my camera in a place where I don’t know what I’m gonna get…
It’s about placing yourself where things are happening, letting the elements move naturally, and being ready to capture when everything aligns. You can’t force a layered composition; you can only position yourself to see it.
Final Thoughts: Trusting Your Vision
Ultimately, no one can teach you how to see. Layering in street photography isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about being curious, present, and trusting your intuition. Spend time with your subjects, follow their gestures, and embrace the unpredictability of the streets.
“You’ve got to be on your toes… The car breaks down—what do you do to make this composition interesting? You think on your feet, frame the foreground, middle ground, background, and start to see like this.”
Final Thoughts: Trusting Your Vision
Ultimately, no one can teach you how to see. Layering in street photography isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about being curious, present, and trusting your intuition.
“The adventure of a lifetime is just outside your door. Grab your camera and go.”
So, get out there, be patient, and let the magic unfold. Happy shooting!