Session 4: Mid-Summer Masterclass: Impressionist Photography Series

Session 4:
Textures and Layers – Building Visual Depth

Creating Photographs You Can Almost Touch

Impressionist photography thrives on texture and layering. This session teaches you to build images with multiple visual elements that create depth and interest.

Layering Techniques:

• Foreground Frames: Use branches, flowers, or architectural elements in the foreground to create natural frames
• Depth of Field Stories: Shoot wide open (f/1.4-f/2.8) to isolate subjects and create bokeh layers
• Atmospheric Perspective: Use fog, mist, or haze to create natural separation between elements

Texture Hunting:

• Natural Textures: Tree bark, water reflections, cloud formations, flower petals
• Urban Textures: Weathered walls, reflective surfaces, architectural details
• Seasonal Textures: Summer’s lush greens, autumn’s crisp leaves, winter’s soft snow

Master’s Secret: The most compelling impressionist images often have three distinct layers: a soft, blurred foreground, a sharp middle ground (your subject), and a dreamy, out-of-focus background.

Post your images on our Facebook group

​https://www.facebook.com/groups/878244939696285​

Use #MidSummerMasterclass when sharing your work—I’ll be personally commenting and celebrating your progress!

To go dipper check out this Summer ICM Guide—an 98-page, richly illustrated resource packed with practical techniques, creative exercises, post-processing tips, and seasonal inspiration to help you make your most expressive work yet.

Get it here: https://evapolak.com/summer-guide.html