1. Create depth with a shallow depth of field.
Within your images, there is an area called a “zone of sharpness.” This area contains everything that is in focus in your image. Outside of this zone of sharpness, everything is blurry. You control the zone of sharpness, or depth of field, through the f-stop number on your camera, and by selecting a small f-stop number, you get shallow depth of field. The graphic below shows f-stop numbers with the corresponding depth of field. The lower the number, the more shallow the depth of field.SMALL F-STOP = SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD



NIKON 50MM 1.8 CANON 50MM 1.8 SONY 50MM 1.8
These lenses cost between $100-$200 and will deliver results usually only found in much more expensive lenses.I’ve written an extensive article on understanding aperture which will help you learn more about depth of field and how to achieve it.
2. Create depth with foreground.
The next technique for adding depth to your images is the use of foreground. Rather than taking just an image of your subject, by adding foreground you help the viewer to understand better the story you are trying to communicate with your pictures.What is foreground?
Foreground is any object you include in your image that is between you the photographer, and the subject. When taking pictures, always look for foreground, and consider including it if it strengthens the story you’re trying to tell with your image. Sometimes you can enhance the photograph by including foreground, and sometimes it will distract. In these two images, the image with foreground tells an entirely different story, then the image without foreground.
Create foreground by raising the horizon line.
The easiest way to add foreground to your image is to raise the horizon line. You accomplish this by pointing your camera more towards the ground which raises the horizon line in the picture. Especially in landscape photography, this technique works well to add depth to your image. Take a look at the photographs below. These images communicate depth better to the viewer by adding foreground.

Create foreground by getting close.
Another great way to add depth to your image through foreground is by getting close to the objects that you include as foreground. In the first image, I created depth by using a shallow depth of field and blurring the background. In the second image, I used BOTH a shallow depth of field and foreground.

3. Create depth with light.
Light is the most important aspect of photography, after all, photography is simply the capture of light. Knowing this helps you understand that how you capture light is of the greatest importance. This is why learning how to see light, understanding how to add light, and even knowing how to create light, is so essential to photography. If you’re interested in learning more, I have book, “Seeing Light” A Photographer’s Guide to Mastering Light,” that will help you harness the power of light. Check it out.
Create depth with light by focusing light on your subject.
In general, our eye tends to go first to the brightest spot in an image, and therefore it would make sense to have your subject be at that spot. However, the exception to this rule is when shooting a high-key image, or an image that is predominantly light. In that case, the viewer’s eye will go to the darkest point in the image first. Take a look at the two images below to see what I mean. These images are also very minimal, which helps to draw the viewers eye where you want to go. Most images you have much more going on, which means light becomes even more necessary.




Create depth with light and shadow in landscape photography.
In landscape photography, light and shadow are two key elements for adding depth and interest to your images. Light and shadow bring form and definition to a picture causing our brains to see three-dimensional objects. Because of this, the time of day you shoot becomes critical in landscape photography. As the sun moves, so do the shadows causing the scene to look different at various times of the day. Mornings and evenings generally provide the best source for beautiful light and shadows in landscape photography.


Create depth with light and shadow in people photography.
Look how light and shadow come together to create beauty in this picture of a bride. The shadows are soft and help our eye to discern depth and dimension. In her dress and in her hair, shadows bring out the small details giving these areas depth as well.



4. Create depth with converging lines.
In art, there is a term called vanishing point, and it is a point in space at which all receding parallel lines converge. These converging lines give the impression of depth and allows the eye to perceive objects as though they three-dimensional. The image below is a good example of how converging parallel lines convey depth. Notice also that the lights across the top of the tunnel appear to get smaller the further away they get. In reality, the lights are all the same size, but perspective causes them to appear smaller and smaller. This visual cue that occurs in real life allows you to convey depth in your images.



4. Conclusion.
Adding depth to your images is something that when thoughtfully done, will add a tremendous amount of impact to your images.
- with a shallow depth of field
- getting close to the foreground
- creating dimension on the human face with light