How Shooting Through Things Keeps me Creative

Sep 4

Model: Taylor Lunde | Shooting through hanger

Introduction

Being a photographer who primarily shoots outdoors has taught me more than how to capture models in creative ways. It has also forced me to make quick decisions on the fly. At nearly every fashion shoot, I’ve picked up whatever is around me—trash, branches, sticks, or bits of foliage—to create blurred foreground elements.

Today, I’ll walk you through the three main principles of this technique: color, shape, and distance.

If you’d like to see all the photos from this shoot, check out the gallery below.

1 Color

The number one thing I look for when choosing foreground elements is color. While yes, color can always be adjusted in post, I aim to get as much right as possible in-camera. This saves time in editing and creates a more authentic result.

For this shoot, I used two very different elements. The shiny metal part of a hanger added a fog-like effect that matched the lighter tones of my model’s outfit, giving the images an ethereal, whimsical feel. I also used the leaves from nearby trees, which made it look like I was shooting through them from a distance—when in reality, I was perched in the tree myself. The darker leaves created a moodier, dramatic vibe, while the hanger brought softness and lightness.

Model: Taylor Lunde | Shooting through a hanger

Model: Taylor Lunde | Shooting through leaves

2. Shape

The shape of your chosen object is just as important. Is it round, irregular, or straight? Knowing the shape helps you position it in ways that highlight parts of your image or draw attention away from others.
Objects held very close to the lens blur and distort, reducing them to simple shapes. For this shoot, the curve of the hanger hook allowed me to frame my model’s head while also creating an in-camera fog effect—no editing required.

3. Distance

Finally, distance determines how legible your object appears. Hold it farther from the lens, and the shape is recognizable. Hold it closer, and it becomes abstract—reduced to color, shape, or reflection.

I usually place objects right near the lens hood. I also have my model stay still while I adjust the element. Once I’ve set the effect, I give the go-ahead for her to change poses every few seconds. This way, we capture multiple variations in one setup.

Model: Taylor Lunde | Shooting through a tree branch and leaves

Conclusion

To recap: I use found objects—sometimes literal trash—to add depth and creative flair to my photos. You don’t have to use trash specifically; nature, fabric, foil, or even props you bring along can work.

Could I have just used a fog machine or lights? Sure. But for this shoot, and many others, it wasn’t feasible. Plus, using what’s around me pushes my creativity further. Guardrails often force new ideas, and sometimes that’s how you capture shots no one else would have imagined.

Keep these three principles in mind—color, shape, and distance—and you’ll be well on your way to creating fresh, outside-the-box images. Contact me here to book a shoot with me!