How I Photographed a Miami Beach Scene Using Layers

Pelicans dive into the ocean on a feeding frenzy as people watch from the beach in Miami, Florida — *South Beach / Miami, Florida / 9.8.2027*

Composition Techniques: Depth on the Horizon

Photo and words by Sean Rayford

I love using layers to reveal depth, to tell stories and to play with composition.

Let’s take a look at how I did this in the photo above, made just after Labor Day, 2026 in South Beach, Miami.

First, let’s establish that the sun has recently risen and is lighting the scene from the east, southeast. Backlit, but from the right and somewhat cinematic.

We’ve got four distinct layers contributing to the composition and storytelling. The first, in focus, is the older couple watching the scene play out in front of them. Next, a younger couple a little less prepared, watching the same scene. On a third layer we have a flock of pelicans on a feeding frenzy in the Atlantic Ocean. And on the horizon we have a large container ship that gives us the background to the scene.

Each layer is visually separate because of the high contrast and change in focus, due to depth of field. This allows the photograph to lead the viewer on a visual journey that bounces between the subjects and their relationships. Because I’ve combined subjects that contrast with their background with a progression using depth of field — it’s obvious that there are distinct places for the eye to travel.

If you’re trying to improve your photography techniques using layers and depth, I recommend going somewhere with lots of open space. The more space you’re working with, the easier it is to use layers and depth. But also, the more space the more likely we are to have a cluttered scene where layers just melt into each other.

Some folks will see a deep meaning here about life, age, survival and scale that we encounter on Earth, but they might be thinking too much. But in this day and age, I think we should be thinking more.

If you’d like to learn about photography in Miami, I have a few opportunities in 2027:

Photography Class / Miami, Florida / Feb. 17, 2027

Sports Photography Workshop / Miami Beach, Florida / Feb. 26, 2027

Photography Workshops / Miami / Feb 12-14 + Feb 19-21 + Feb 27-28 (2027)

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Composition Techniques: Depth on the Horizon

Tips for Next Year’s Summer Photo Road Trip