“Shoot layers” means shoot multiple subjects (and objects) that separated one to each other in one frame. The main point to create layer shoot is to make sure there is space between subjects.
Shoot layers is never easy, because it consist of decisive moments from more than one subject. We search that exact split second moment when universe decide to let subjects do their own things and suddenly they shape a single artistic scene.
There are some additional things that we may add to shoot layers to create more interesting (or dynamic) image:
Similarity
Search two or more subjects that look alike one to each other. Pay more attention to their gesture or outfit, and try to match them. As in photo above, I want to put audience’s focus on similarity of twin child with their identical caps. In reality, I do not even know whether they related to each other or not, or use the exact same cap or not. That does not matter, and in fact, that is the main reason I love to shoot Mysterious Subject (Read here). I will leave the story’s interpretation on audience’s imagination (which is may vary from one to other).
Colour match
Continuing from similarity, colour match is about shoot one or more colours that able to make connection or simply has similar colour from multiple subjects (or objects).
Like in photo above, It may looks like an usual layering photo. What make it interesting is how each people use the same yellow helmets, that indirectly create a story line that all of them has a certain relation from one to each other.
Make it surreal
Combine shoot “well separated subjects” with visual art elements (Silhouette, reflection or shadow). Use any creative objects around us to add surreal effect (Read here).
In photo above I put surreal effect from floor reflection and bright pink wall (from advertising board). Notice similar gesture from subjects and each of them well separated (their bodies are not overlapping). I always love how “texture effect” from reflective floor or wall able to create mood that I can not achieve when shoot directly (head on).
Another idea to create surreal effect: Shoot layers through object that has low opaque level (highly transparent). Automatically, we will add extra complexity to image because there is an object between camera and subjects (extra layer).
Framing
Shoot layers is not only about shoot multiple subjects that stand side by side. It could be in other form too. Shoot framing in layer is about how frame main subject with something that has connection or similarity with subject itself . In this case I framed a person with another person’s feet (both are human in moving gesture). What important is we need to create connection between main subject inside frame and elements that create outer frame.
Additional notes:
Shoot with wide lens
Obvious reason: Wide lens will let us easily capture more subjects. Also in narrower place we can get more subjects inside our frame. Generally, the more subjects inside our photo, the bigger chance we will create interesting layers (also harder to create though!).
Crowded place
The main reason I start to like shoot layers is because I like to infuse my shooting style with minimalism effect (not too much distraction).
Problem comes when I start shoot in crowded place like inside traditional market, in the middle of crowded event, or in a site that many tourist attend there. By shoot layers, I will able to “minimize” elements. All of that distraction (objects) will have connection one to each other and become one single artistic scene
That is all my thought about shoot layers. Feel free to experiment yourself how to shoot layers creatively out there!
Keep shooting everyday,
Nico Harold