The Art of Composition and Depth of Field in Photography

7 March 2025 – Categorie: Still life, Travel Photography – Sebastien Desnoulez

Red chili peppers drying in the sun on a sheet of newspaper atop a metal tray are more than just a street scene captured in Hoi An, Vietnam. Taken with a Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S, this photo plays with the boundary between sharpness and blur to evoke a narrative.

A Daily Scene, Frozen in Time

In Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lantern-lined streets and bustling markets offer endless opportunities to capture the soul of Vietnam. Here, these chili peppers slowly drying on the roadside in front of a house speak to the deep connection between local cuisine and tradition.

This image reflects the idea that photography is more than capturing an image—it’s about telling a story, igniting the viewer’s imagination.

Depth of Field as a Storytelling Tool

Thanks to a shallow depth of field, the viewer’s attention is drawn directly to the vibrant red chilies, while the blurred background hints at a table, a bicycle, a lively atmosphere—suggesting a broader context.

But what especially captures the eye is the composition:

A natural diagonal on the ground separates foreground from background, enhancing the sense of depth.
Wooden chopsticks placed in the lower right corner create a visual line guiding the eye toward the chilies, adding dynamism to the frame.
A strong contrast between the bright red peppers and the muted background immediately catches attention.

Composition: Intentional or Serendipitous?

In photography, composition often blends technical mastery with spontaneity. In this case, the question arises:

Did I consciously use these lines and elements to structure the image, or was it a lucky accident?

Great painters and photographers often play with these devices to guide the viewer’s gaze. Like a museum guide analyzing a painting, each detail can be unpacked to explain why an image resonates with us.

The Art of Visual Storytelling in Photography

Beyond aesthetic appeal, this image illustrates a key principle of photography:

Leave room for the viewer’s imagination.

By including elements outside the area of sharp focus, the viewer is invited to complete the story. What happened before? Who passed through this space?

And you—when you take a photo, do you pay attention to these invisible lines that guide the eye?

Conclusion: A Frozen Moment, a Story to Imagine

This photograph of chilies drying in Hoi An is more than a simple street shot. It shows how depth of field, composition, and contrast can turn a moment into a visually compelling story.

Click on the photos below to view them in full screen.