Want to make your photos feel more like a story than a snapshot? Try composing over the shoulder.

Used heavily in film and television, this technique creates a sense of presence — as if the viewer is standing right behind the subject, sharing their point of view. It adds context, draws the viewer in, and builds emotional connection without needing a lot of elements in the frame.

It’s not about being flashy — it’s about being intentional. And it’s incredibly effective with a smartphone.

What is an over-the-shoulder shot?

An over-the-shoulder (OTS) photo includes the back of a subject’s head, shoulder, or arm in the foreground, while showing what they’re looking at in the background. It’s a hybrid of portrait and narrative — one that pulls the viewer into the character’s world.

Think of it as shooting through someone’s perspective, but staying just outside it.

Why it works

Adds depth: The layered foreground pulls the viewer into the scene.
Suggests story: We wonder what the subject is seeing, thinking, or feeling.
Guides the eye: The subject’s line of sight becomes a leading line.
Feels immersive: It places the viewer inside the scene, not just observing it.

It’s a technique that turns passive viewing into active engagement.

How to shoot over-the-shoulder with your phone

Position your subject
Have them face the scene or subject you want to capture. Their shoulder and part of their head should enter the frame from one side — usually from behind, slightly off-centre.
Shoot from slightly behind and above
This mimics the natural perspective of someone standing just behind them. Hold your phone just over shoulder height or beside their head, angled toward what they’re looking at.
Focus on the background or middle ground
Decide whether to keep the shoulder slightly blurred (for a cinematic feel) or in equal focus (for context).
Use portrait orientation
It often suits this style better, especially for tighter shots with people.
Mind the edges
Make sure the subject’s shoulder doesn’t cut off awkwardly. Frame with care to include just enough of them to feel present — but not dominant.

Best scenes for over-the-shoulder photography

A child watching the ocean
Someone admiring a city view
Two people having a quiet conversation
A person looking at art, a phone, a screen, or a person
Any moment where the subject’s attention adds meaning to the scene

When to use this technique

To bring the viewer emotionally closer to your subject
When the background is meaningful to your story
To show what someone is looking at — without switching to their direct POV
To add subtle narrative to travel, street, or lifestyle shots

When not to use it

If the background adds no meaning
When it’s too dark to capture both foreground and background clearly
If the subject’s pose feels forced or unnatural

Always ask: What’s the subject reacting to? Why include their presence? If there’s no answer, the shot might work better with a different angle.

Did you know?

The over-the-shoulder shot has been a staple in cinematography since the 1930s. It’s used in dialogue scenes to show both character and reaction in one frame — adding emotional nuance and keeping the viewer “in the room.” Still photographers have adapted it for storytelling, especially in documentary and travel work.

Tips for stronger over-the-shoulder compositions

Use soft light: Side lighting adds subtle depth to both the subject and background.
Keep it natural: The more relaxed the subject, the more believable the story.
Think in thirds: Place the shoulder in the lower third, and the background action in the upper or opposite third.
Adjust exposure: Tap to expose for the background — it’s usually the most important element.

Common mistakes

Too much shoulder — the viewer ends up staring at the back of someone’s head
Poor lighting — overexposing the background or underexposing the subject
Distracting clutter in the background
Cropping the shoulder too tightly or awkwardly

Framing and balance are key — treat both foreground and background with care.

Related techniques

Use the search bar above to search for any composition technique, including the below:

Layering
Foreground interest
Perspective distortion

Conclusion

Over-the-shoulder shots offer a storytelling shortcut — they make your audience feel like they’re part of the moment. With a bit of planning and the right positioning, your smartphone photos can go beyond documentation and into quiet, visual narrative.

📘 This is just one of the 100+ storytelling tools inside Stronger Photo Composition - 4-Step System. Learn how to see differently, shoot intentionally, and build meaning into every image.

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Over-the-shoulder — add storytelling and connection to your shots