One of best food photography tips and tricks I've learned over the years is the art of layering. When I'm setting up a shot-- whether it's a cozy breakfast scene or a more minimal product layout-- I always think in layers. Adding layers in your composition is a game-changer. It adds depth, texture and a sense of warmth to your images that makes viewers feel like they could step right in. It's a technique I emphasize in every class I teach and every shoot I style. Let me share how I use layers in my work and how you can too, in both food and product photography.
Literal Layers: Fabric, Paper, Boards and Other Props
Some layers in a scene are very literal-- they're the physical props you place on top of your food photography surface in your setup. Think of things like textured fabric, wrinkled paper or even and extra dish or two. These items create visual layers by sitting under, over or around your main subject. I typically start by choosing a beautiful backdrop (obviously one of ours 😉) as the foundation. Then I build upwards and outwards:
• Cloth and Linens: A linen napkin or a piece of burlap can peek out from under the plate, softening the scene and adding a cozy feel.
• Cutting Boards and Trays: Placing a dish on a weathered cutting board or a decorative tray introduces a second layer beneath the food. This not only adds a new texture (smooth ceramic on rough wood, for example) but also gives a frame to your dish.
• Paper and Printed Materials: Sometimes I'll slide a piece of parchment paper, a newspaper or brown craft paper into my scene. The wrinkles in the paper (or even the printed text) adds a visual texture that I love. Of course, it needs to make sense for your shot. A newspaper placed under fried food could work beautifully but a newspaper sitting under an elegant dessert, not so much.
• Extra Dishes and Utensils: A plate under a smaller bowl or plate, a stack of empty dishes or a vessel filled with kitchen utensils can all act as supporting cast members in your shot. These pieces hint at a larger scene beyond the frame, layering the story without stealing focus from your hero.
Each of these literal layers adds visual interest and often a much needed pop of warmth. The key is to arrange them in a casual, not perfectly neat way-- we are looking for that authentic "just happened" look that feels inviting. The props create a sense of environment and context: viewers can imagine themselves about to dig in.
Spatial Layers: Foreground, Background and Depth
Layers aren't just the things you put into a scene-- they're also how you arrange the scene in space. In photography composition, we often talk about foreground, middle ground and background. Utilizing these spatial layers is a powerful way to add depth and draw the eye to your subject.
{Side note: if you want to watch the first lesson of my composition class in The Photo Collective Membership, where I talk about this exact thing, click HERE.}
When I compose a shot, I often include something blurred in the foreground. It could be a small out-of-focus corner of a plate or edge of a bouquet of flowers positioned closer to the camera, but it pulls the viewer's eyes into the frame and towards what's important.
Then, of course, I have my main subject in focus, somewhere in the mid-ground focal range. Finally, I ensure there's a background element-- perhaps something taller that fills part of the frame, additional props that add to the story or maybe an out of focus texture or pattern on the back wall, (or maybe all of the above!)
The result? A layered scene that feels three-dimensional.
Selective focus, (controlled by your aperture and depth of field) is your friend here. By using a wider aperture, (say f/2.8 or f/4) you can blur those foreground and background elements just enough. They become gentle washes of color and shape-- bokeh-- that frame your subject.
Why do any of this? Simply put, layering is one of my favorite compositional elements because of the texture, warmth and visual interest in brings to food and product photography. A scene with thoughtful layers feels inviting and alive; it's the opposite of a flat, clinical shot on a plain white background.
Layers introduce texture-- from the rough grain of a wooden board to the soft folds of fabric-- that make an image almost tangible. They also add warmth: from crumbs to well worn fabric, these little touches can make the scene feel cozy and real.
Layers also add visual interest by giving the viewer more to look at. The eye might lock onto your main subject first, then wander over to explore the supporting details that fill out the story-- maybe a flower petal in the corner or the shadow of a glass on the table. All those details guide the eye through the frame and help paint the scene-- maybe it's a celebratory dinner or a product in its natural habitat-- rather than a flat, one-note image.
Make sure your layers complement-- not compete with-- the star of the show. If your props or backdrops are too bold or too similar to your subject, they might steal the spotlight. I try to choose props that contrast in color or tone so that the subject pops. For example, a dark subject on a light prop helps the subject stand out. The goal, as always in food or product photography, is a harmonious scene where the layers fall back and the main focus stays on your subject.
Elevating Products with Layers (Risers and More)
When it comes to product photography, layering deserves a special shout out. In product shoots, I often use what we call "risers"-- anything that can lift or elevate the product and give it more prominence. It could be a wooden crate, a stack of books, a piece of stone or a small stand. These layers physically raise the product which, in turn, elevates it's important in the photo.
When you're styling products, you can get creative with what counts as a riser. Anything sturdy can work, as long as it fits the overall vibe of the shot and brand.
Final Thoughts
Layering truly transformed my approach to styling photos. It's something I practice every time I set up a scene, and over time it becomes second nature to spot where a little something extra is needed-- maybe a dash of color in the background or a touch of texture under a plate.
If you're just getting started, my advice is to simply experiment and PLAY! Start by adding one extra element at a time and see how it changes your composition. You'll quickly notice your images become more dynamic and engaging with each new layer.
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