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Noticing overlap in a photograph

Follow the outlines where people, objects, and surroundings meet.

Yenra Photography ·

When one shape crosses another, a photograph gives you a small clue about how its parts sit together. A tree can cover part of a figure, a hand can cross a face, and two people can share an outline. Following those meeting places is a useful way to explore a frame.

Follow one outline.

A hooded person beside a tree, with a hand around the trunk and the face visible to its right.
A tree overlaps the figure while leaving the face and a hand visible.
Woman in Brown Hooded Coat by Tree Trunk · Photograph: Yenra
Two people on opposite sides of a forked tree trunk, with a partial head entering the bottom of the wide frame.
A broad trunk crosses two figures in a wider frame.
Costumed Individuals Behind Tree Trunk · Photograph: Yenra

Begin with the tree beside the hooded figure. Follow its right edge past the hand and toward the face. The trunk covers some of the clothing while leaving a few distinct features visible. You can read the nearer tree and the figure behind it through their overlapping shapes.

The wider photograph offers another arrangement: a forked trunk crosses two figures on opposite sides. A partial head also enters the lower edge. Take time to explore the complete frame, including that foreground shape. Which outline do you notice first, and where does it lead you next?

Notice what sits in front.

An open round compact and a hand in front of a softly rendered face.
A nearer hand and compact overlap a softer face.
Woman Applying Makeup Outdoors · Photograph: Yenra
Two people in colorful hats with overlapping clothing, arms, and hands.
Overlapping clothes and hands connect shapes within a shared portrait.
Two people in colorful hats · Photograph: Yenra

The round compact and hand sit in front of a softer face. Their visible edges and detail give the nearer shapes a clear presence. Try tracing the compact's curve, then return to the face behind it. Overlap and differences in detail can work together to suggest depth.

In the shared portrait, clothing, arms, and hands cross within the frame. Each face remains visible above those connected shapes. Look for a place where you can follow one person's outline, and another where the shapes meet.

Let overlap connect shapes.

A small sideways move can change where two shapes meet in your own photographs. A mug in front of a book is enough to begin. Make one picture, shift a little, and see what becomes visible. You might enjoy a clear separation, a small overlap, or a larger shared shape; each gives you something to compare.

Look back with curiosity.

  • Which shape appears in front?
  • What remains visible?
  • What relationship would you like to try next?

Continue with Seeing depth in a photograph, Finding frames, or Balancing subjects and space.

Browse all 219 photographs from Renfest Closing Day 2013 → · Take the overlapping-shapes experiment with you →