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Photography composition you may not know: Rückenfigur

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Exactly. You’ve heard of rule of thirds, framing, leading line, fill the frame & negative space, all the classics. All discussed, written & rewritten a bazillion times over, from physical books to blogs & beyond. 

Except when we land on something like the rule of odds or Rückenfigur. 

What the heck is Rückenfigur?

Rückenfigur is German and literally translates as “back figure”. 

Coined during the 19th century German Romanticism movement & popularized by landscape painter Caspar David Friedrich in the 1810-1820s. Though this timeframe wasn’t created in the early 1800s as examples of the main figure turned away from the viewer can be found in earlier artwork. (I’ve seen notations of 14th century / 1300s). The Rückenfigur composition faded later into the 1800s with a resurgence in the 1940s & 1970s. 

This painting by Caspar David Friedrich is likely the most known & referenced example Rückenfigur composition.

“Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer / The Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” Caspar David Friedrich, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Note how we view the figure from the back as he takes in the scene unfolding before him. I believe Rückenfigur is suppose to invite the viewer “inside” the painting and take on the perspective of the mysterious person who faces away. To gaze on the scene they are seeing and to feel what they may have felt at the time. 

The main subject can be large like the Caspar David Friedrich painting, or they may be a smaller figure in a vast landscape, still with their faces turned away from the viewer. 

Why is this type of composition not well known?

Beats me. 

Though I do think it may have something to do with how we connect to the subject in an image, especially ones of dogs. We aim to connect to the viewer with gazes and faces pointed outward towards them. Eyes are the windows of the soul and faces are the heart of emotion. 

Which means Rückenfigur doesn’t show up frequently in dog photography. 

And it is more than just a random shot of the backside of your dog. 

Instead, a Rückenfigur image should give a sense of the scene unfolding in front of your dog. It should put the viewer into your dog’s eyes as they behold the scene unfolding in front of them. They could be are bold adventurer pausing to take in the scene they are looking to traipse or taking a moment of peace to watch the water at the end of the dock (or contemplating the next leap into the water). 

Blue looks down the bridge. What has captured his attention? (Ducks, it was ducks haha!)

Note: Be aware of buttholes. Some dogs have prominent ones, others small ones, and others have tails or hair that covers them. If the dog you’re photographing has a prominent butthole, you’ll need to angle the dog to a 3/4 view if standing or have them in a sitting position to avoid a prominent in your face asterisk!

Creating your own Rückenfigur image. 

Start with location 

You’ll want a location that your dog can “look out over”.  Here are some ideas:

  • Sitting on the end of a dock and looking out over the water
  • Perched on rocks on the edge of a lake or river
  • The top of a hill, mountain, a rocky outcropping or plateau
  • At the head of a trail or opening in the woods

Pick the time of day

Time of day will give your scene different looks. Mornings will give you typically calm water, possibly with hints of fog. Golden hour will give you loads of contrast and depth. Middle of the day will give you more atmospheric haze and less depth. 

The spaces of time between morning & midday and midday to golden hour will give you variable light that slides from contrasty early in the day to flatter midday back to contrasty by the end of the day. 

Note: if you want to do sunrise Rückenfigur images you will need to be up early and make your way to your location in the dark. Make sure you are appropriately equipped. 
 

Watch the weather

Clear skies are great and will make for lovely sunrises & sunsets. But for an EPIC Rückenfigure image you’ll want clouds. The amount of clouds will give your image different feelings of vastness. Sky color broken by fluffy clouds is lovely, while heavier cloud cover will lend toward texture, depth & moodiness. 

Flat overcast days will give you an even light that allows you to shoot anywhere with even light and soft shadows. The trade off is they don’t typically carry loads of texture and depth, making the sky just… dull gray.

Keep an eye out for fog. This will typically be a morning occurrence, though fog can start to creep in in the evening hours as the sun disappears from the scene. Fog will be best paired with water views along will views from hills that are higher than the blanket of fog. Keep in mind if you are in the fog, the thickness of it can heavily lower your contrast and cut your visibility.

Add your dog!

You will want an extra set of hands if you are photographing your own dog. Otherwise snag a dog model and their person to help you. 
 
Position your dog where you want him or her. Have the person handling your dog keep your dog turned away from you and turned the direction you want him or her looking. Then wait. Don’t make any attention catching sounds. The aim isn’t eye contact, it is to have your dog gaze over the scene. 
 
For Blue, I simply ask “who’s here” and he’ll direct his attention away from me.
 

Take the picture & experiment

Play with a narrow depth of field (f2.8 etc) and a deep depth of field (f13 etc). Shoot from different angles – low, your dog’s point of view will work best to give you the most landscape / sky to help create a sense of vastness in your image. 

Wide angle lenses – 18mm to 35 mm – are going to give you the widest view of the scene. Mid range lenses will give you the view similar to your eyesight. Long lenses – 85mm and longer – will give you cool compression, though you may end up miles away to get the scene wide enough in your image haha! (Another reason to have someone handle your dog!)

BONUS knowledge: atmospheric perspective

Also known as arial perspective. Essentially it refers to how colors & details fade into the distance giving the sense of depth to an image of a landscape. Farther objects have less contrast and detail decreases. Closer objects will look clearer with more details, contrast, clarity & saturation. 

Classically an atmospheric perspective will have a darker foreground, a mid range middle distance and a light background (frequently the light colors of the sky). 
 
A great thing to know since Rückenfigur puts emphasis on the landscape your dog is gazing at as much as your dog the subject. 
 
This blog post from Light Stalking will help you understand atmospheric perspective better. 

More examples of Rückenfigur in dog photography

Though in some heavy looking I did find a few examples of Rückenfigur images involving dogs from fellow dog photographers around the world. 

Prepare to oogle: Audrey Bellot is based in Europe and she has stunning dog photography images. Look through her gallery to find the images where the dog is looking away from the camera – those are Rückenfigur. The one with the lake and the white dog is a great example of Rückenfigur.

Firefly Pet Photography in Michigan has two great examples – the man & dog on a beach with the sunset and the one with a girl and horse their backs to the viewer. (This gallery will randomize on a refresh so the location of each image changes…)

Ve Shandor, a Slovakian dog photographer has beautiful dog photography and some cool Rückenfigur images. On her homepage there is a girl with two dogs looking over a landscape. In the gallery there is an image of the same two dogs, sans human. 

Beyond the Fence in Boston has a whole Dogs in Landscapes gallery with stunning images. See if you can find the Rükenfigur images in her gallery!

Did you gawk at last month’s blog with the theme line? Here’s the link in case you didn’t – Learning composition leading lines in dog photography. 

Head out with your pup and capture some epic Rückenfigur images. If you do, I would LOVE to see them! Or if you’d rather, reach out and schedule your dog’s session and we’ll be sure to create an EPIC Rückenfigur image together!

Reach out to schedule your dog’s Rückenfigur image via text 320.309.2893 or email

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Looking for a Gem of a Dog? Spring Jewel Is It!

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If you’re looking for a gem of a dog who is bouncy, sweet, energetic and touch sassy, then Spring Jewel is it! She is a lovely doberman/shepherd/something mix with a cool paint job and full of springs in her long legs.

Head to Tri County Humane Society in St. Cloud MN to meet this gem – she’s been waiting to meet you!

What makes her special?

  • Food motivated – making training a breeze!
  • Energetic – she’s up for walks, hikes and zoomies in the yard
  • Big dog friendly – she’s met and done well with big dogs who match her energy
  • She loves to sunbath on a blanket in the yard!

Spring Jewel needs:

  • an active family w/older kids
  • a big yard with a tall fence to play & zoom around in
  • long walks with her favorite people
  • an adventure partner who takes her hiking, exploring & jogging

Note:

Spring Jewel can be a little reserved when meeting new people, but warms up quickly (treats def help). She does tend to jump up on people, a behavior you may or may not love. 

If you’re visiting Spring Jewel, say hi to these other pups looking for their new homes!

Winnie, Pip, Pete, Corli, Cammy, Astro, Comet, Brownie & Shadow – plus a plethora of others!

Spring Jewel is ready to bring a little sparkle to your life. Whether she’s trotting by your side or sunbathing at your feet, she’s waiting to be someone’s treasure. Could that be you?

👉 Visit Tri-County Humane Society to meet her and see if she’s your perfect match!

 

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12 humane societies & shelters in Minnesota to visit on National Pet Day!

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National Pet Day is Friday April 11th, 2025. There are loads of things you can do to celebrate your pet:

  • Have a pet date and have your pup pick a new toy & share a pup cup!
  • Extra snacks or an extra special snack
  • LOADS of cuddles & snuggles!

And why not head to one of the 12 humane societies and shelters around the state of Minnesota and hand out pats & snacks there too! (Make sure to ask if there are treats you can share with the dogs when you visit.) Perhaps you’ll find a new friend to bring home too!

Yes, there are 12 humane societies & animal shelter organizations in Minnesota! (I didn’t know either!)

In addition to these humane society & animal shelter organizations there are about 63 animal rescues in the state – some with shelter space, others with a vast foster network. If you want to know them all the Minnesota Federated Humane Societies has an extensive list of them. 

Did you know that I’ve adopted dogs from 3 different shelters across the state? Mick was from Lakes Area Humane Society in Alexandria, Bender was from Hawk Creek in Willmar and Axle was from Tri County Humane Society in St. Cloud!

If you stop in to Tri County Humane Society you’ll get to meet some awesome pups! Ask if you can give them some extra snuggles if the Meet & Greet Room isn’t busy! (I wrote this on Wednesday so some dogs may have found their new homes by Friday!)

Vinnie

Vinnie, the mob boss. This puppy is the mob boss muscle with baby shark teeth and loads of puppy energy. He has a very high play drive, a very high food drive and tends to be a bit bitey when he plays and wants a treat. He will need someone who teaches him that hands & people aren’t toys, that he needs to mind his teeth and someone who will tire him out with loads of play. He may benefit from a dog role model who enjoys playing. If you want to meet him, ask and be prepared for puppy bites! 

** Due to his baby shark bites, he isn’t a good fit for a family with children. 

Romania

This lovely lady has been hanging out at Tri County Humane Society waiting for the perfect person to take her on long walks, play with loads of toys and treat her with loads of care & affection. She is a major barker in her kennel – break out a couple of treats and reward her when she’s quiet. Unknown how she is with other dogs, ask the staff at TCHS if they know if she is best for a dog free family or would be happiest with a companion. 

Brownie

Brownie is a sweet chunk of chocolate brown pittie. She is a little shy in her kennel, but outside of it she’s a bit less scared. She’ll need some good associations with the leash and a bit of confidence to get her out of her shell. She’s petite too. And that head tilt! SWOON!

Saban

The master of the head tilt! Saban is a tall german shepherd boy. He knows sit, enjoys treats and would love an active family that burns their energy and his. He is a little shy when he meets new people but he warms up quickly – treats help too! He has interacted with dogs in the past but doesn’t like to eat around them so he’ll need his own space for meals. 

Winnie

This lovely lady is Winnie in her dappled light camouflage haha! She is a sweet girl, though will need a family that builds up her confidence and helps with her shyness in new scenarios. She is a hugger! I think the right calm family and a slew of tasty treats will help this lovely girl come out of her shell. 

And sorry about the dappled light. I thought she would be a bit more comfortable in the woods vs on the backside where I photograph most of the dogs. No leaves = loads of dappled light. 

Buck

The smallest spunkiest punk on the planet! Buck is bossy, can be shy with new people and has hops that can get him nearly to eye height. He’s a whopping 20 lbs and loaded with character. Plus he will work for treats, which means he would be a great instagram dog or photographer’s dog. Note that he does get sick during car rides – you may have to keep your adventures closer to home!

Luna

The curliest tailed cattle dog mix ever! Luna is a sweet girl and has LOADS of energy! She’d love an outlet to burn energy, perhaps even a job. Her tail is the best! Not sure where the curl comes from as most cattle dogs have bushy hanging tails. She’ll be a wonderful companion for an active lifestyle. 

Shadow

Shadow is a sweet girl, though a bit shy in new scenarios. She doesn’t particular like the leash, so she’ll need to have loads of positive reinforcements to make leashes less scary. Her background isn’t known as she arrived to TCHS as a transfer. Ask the staff members more about her to see what they’ve learned since she has been at the shelter. 

Yummy

This lovely merle lady is Yummy! She is petite, bouncy and full of energy. She’s food motivated, enjoys toys and would love a family with an active lifestyle. Merle isn’t a common pittie color, she looks like she might have a bit of french bulldog in her (do a DNA test to see). She will need some work on the basics, it took a lot of work for her to stop bouncing long enough for a sit!

Kodak

Oh my those eyes! Kodak is an energetic sweet blue eyed german shepherd (and husky?) mix. He’s affectionate, has lived with children, gets along with other dogs and is a destroyer of fluffy type toys. This hunk will love a family who enjoys hiking and long walks. 

Spring Jewel (formerly Jackal)

This lovely mixed breed lady (doberman mix or shepherd mix?) has been waiting for the perfect family to move in with. She’s food motivated and energetic, though a bit shy with new people and places. She would love an active family who builds her confidence and takes her on long walks. 

Lincoln

The dog with the best freckles – Lincoln! He’s a chonky setter who will benefit from an active lifestyle and balanced amount of treats. He has lived on a farm in the past, has done well with other dogs and enjoys chasing kitties. He’s a 6 year old dude looking for a change in scenery – a moderately active family will keep him in tip top condition!

Of course there are other dogs I haven’t photographed that you can visit on National Pet Day. And if you’re at TCHS you might as well pop in and say hello to the cats, then check out the bunnies and guinea pigs. 

Can’t have a pet? Visiting Tri County Humane Society on National Pet Day is a great way to celebrate pets. Ask if there are any volunteering opportunities or other ways you can help animals in need. 

Have a pet? Celebrate them! And pop into TCHS too! 

How are you going to celebrate National Pet Day? 

12 humane societies & shelters in Minnesota to visit on National Pet Day! Read More »

Learning composition – leading lines in dog photography

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One of the well known rules of composition is leading lines. Quite literally a line is the distance between two points. Simple. 

In composition, leading lines can be simple or implied, man made or natural. Leading lines lead the viewer’s eye into scene, directing the gaze to land on the subject if done correctly. They can be straight, or curved or even diagonal. 

In dog photography, leading lines are wonderful ways to highlight your subject – the dog! 

First, learn how to see leading lines. 

Step outside, sans dog and look. Your front sidewalk is a leading line, your driveway, the road, the fence wrapping around your yard. All man made and the easiest to find. Paths in the park are also easy leading lines to find and utilize. 

Leading lines don’t just have to be vertical! They can be horizontal, diagonal and curved as well! 

Keep looking for leading lines – did you notice the curve of the shoreline of the lake? It works as a leading line! As do creeks & streams! Note the leading lines in bridges, brick, stairs, rocks, railings, docks & piers, logs & branches, even hard edged shadows! There are a bazillion different leading lines you can spy as you stroll out and about!

** DO NOT USE RAILROADS! **

The cool thing with leading lines is they can also lend a sense of depth to your image, along with leading the eye to your subject. 

Now, there’s another aspect of leading lines to consider. These are implied leading lines and typically come from the direction of eyes. If you position your dog in a path and he turns to look into the trees, your eye will follow the leading line to your dog, then you will follow the direction of his gaze, your brain curious as to what he is looking at. Implied leading lines are lines our brains make to fill in a gap between subject & their gaze. 

Utilize implied leading lines and gaze to give your images more curiosity, if not impact.

Is your dog standing on rocks on a shoreline? Looking at you? Then the shoreline leads you to him, a stunning image of a dog on the rocky beach. 

Now your dog gazes out to the water. Does he see something there? Is he contemplating life? Or is he working out how to launch into water? Does the mood shift? 

Try it with your dog! Let them look up, left or right or down (you may want to use a treat for this). Does the gaze that leads more impactful than the gaze that looks back at you? 

Additionally, implied leading lines can be found in things that aren’t actually lines – rows of trees or streetlights, street signs with arrows, in movement direction, human elements that point to the dog, repeated shapes & textures can also create an implied line that leads the eye. (Though pattern & texture are their own elements of composition that can create loads of impact in an image…) Waves, sun rays, clouds, rocks, paw prints & footprints, can also create implied leading lines.   

The leading lines point right to Blue. We then follow his gaze to wonder what he is looking at beyond the chain link of the bridge. (It was ducks swimming in the river haha!)

Kris is awesome and a great set of spare hands with Blue. Back when we had snow (and before the subzero freeze) we traipsed out the the Mississippi Regional Park to capture what winter looks like in the trees and prairie. I caught this moment of them together, Blue on his tippy toes to give Kris a nibbly kiss. The trees not only lead us to them but they also frame them. The implied line of Blue’s neck & head lead up to Kris, who is looking down at him creating a cool bond. 

Frequently implied leading lines are paired with leading lines. The grass leads us into Blue, then our eyes follow to the further edge of the frame to follow his gaze. Also, the line he is sitting on where the snow meets the grass is another leading line – a horizontal one!

If you want to get super creative with implied leading lines you can play with focal plane to create vertical or diagonal planes of focus that pushes your viewer’s eye into the in focus area. And no you can’t do this with a typical camera lens – you’ll need a tilt shift or a free-lens / freelensing. Or you’ll have to fake it in post processing. Or fake it with a tilt shift effect in post processing.

Botched leading lines. 

It can happen. You’ve got a great leading line that leads to nowhere or nothing. Botched. 

Your leading line leads past your subject and essentially leads the eye away from your subject. Botched. This typically happens if you have a diagonal line from left to right and your subject is closer to the left than the right. Same for right to left and your subject is too close to the right side. 

Implied leading lines where your subject is too close to the edge of the frame and their eyes look out of the image. Botched. If you don’t have enough eye room for the gaze, your viewers will be led right out of the image, your subject & scene hardly noticed. 

Same goes for movement. Make sure your subject has enough space to move in your image, to help with the implied leading line of where they are going, not where they have been. 

See how the bridge lines don’t work? Then lead us past Blue to the sunlit rectangle closer to the top right of the image. The bridge structure does point to Blue, as does the chain link – those leading lines work. It is a lovely image of Blue, though the main leading lines lend towards some unsettling eye movement. If I would have given more space in front of Blue to put him closer to the top / horizon, then they wouldn’t be botched leading lines. 

And nope, I didn’t even think of this when I captured this image. Not until I was gawking at them in Lightroom did I notice that I botched these leading lines haha!

Whew! What a ton of information & examples! 

Hopefully this gives you insight into how to incorporate leading lines into your composition, will help you learn to see them, especially the not so obvious ones and how to make sure your leading lines actually lead to your subject and aren’t botched. 

Want to learn even more about leading lines? 

I’ve written about leading lines before! You can revisit these posts here:  “Line” and “Leading Lines” and another “Leading Lines“.  (Seems it is a classic composition topic haha!)

If you want to see even more examples visit some posts from my fellow dog photographers:

Learning composition – leading lines in dog photography Read More »

Adoptable dogs at Tri County Humane Society St. Cloud

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Huzzah! The weather has leveled off so I’m able to head back to Tri County Humane Society in St. Cloud and photograph the adoptable dogs (and sometimes cats too!).  Tuesdays are the magical day.

And prior to this week we were in a subzero funk that affected us for two weeks. Everyone was tired of the subzero, it was too cold to do much. Then the weather swung and now we’re in 40s & 50s (20 degrees above average) and all of the snow is melted and swampy mud has arrived, alluding to spring. But it still is February… 

I was quite glad that the temps rolled to warmer, though the snow would have added a neat touch. And Tri County Humane Society was a little muddy, little icy and a little swampy (I think there were two volunteer ponds that showed up…). But the dogs didn’t care! They enjoyed being outside. 

Clyde!

This adorable dude is Clyde! He’s been at Tri County for a bit, just waiting for the right person to give him a new home. He’s a lovely yellow color, has epic head wrinkles and is food motivated. He didn’t yank me around on the leash and he knows how to sit.  Clyde arrived as a transfer from another facility so his history isn’t known. He seems pretty chill with the other dogs. 

BTW his adoption fee is half off! 

Remember, if you have a dog and you’re adding a new one to your family to do a meet and greet and do slow introductions to have the interactions go seamlessly!

Abby!

Look at those wrinkles! This lovely lady is Abby! She’s been at Tri County for a while and is quite excited to head to a new home. She arrived as a stray, so there’s no history about her, but she is sweet, energetic and full of bouncy puppy energy. She LOVES food, but may have some allergies which has made her lose some of her fur. (Ask TCHS if they know why she may have lost some fur). She is a fun, pint sized pittie who will bounce into the right heart. 

Her adoption fee is half off!

Petunia

This lovely lady is Petunia! She’s a food lover and energetic, though a little goofy in her kennel (she may not like her barky neighbors.) She was found as a stray so little is known about her. She knew sit, but was very energetic about the treats. Highly food motivated with a big energetic drive, this girl is going to be a great hiking, adventure or dog sports companion. 

Her adoption fee is half off!

Petra

This teenie weenie puppy is Petra! Don’t let her little size fool you, this lovely lady is full of personality! She also loves snuggling and being as close to a human as possible. 

As of this posting, she does have an adoption hold!

Magic

This big guy is Magic! He’s a little particular about other dogs, preferring bigger dog friends vs small dogs. Initially his energy level was rather bouncy, but he quickly leveled out and was happy to work for snacks. 

He will need slow introductions if you have another dog at home since he is a bit particular about his dog friends. 

His adoption fee is half off!

Lucy

This lovely border collie lady is Lucy! She was shy, preferring to tuck next to my side instead of sti in front of my camera. Once the treats came out, she became braver! She even offered her paws in a shake!

As of this posting it seems she has been adopted!

Lucy Linguini

This lovely lady is Lucy Linguini! She was a stray so there’s no information about her history. She is very very sweet. She’s petite with an epic tail that curls to touch her back. She worked the camera for snacks and would be a sweet, fun companion. I loved her tail and how her ears each had different ideas of how to hang. 

Kipper!

This happy go lucky lab mix is Kipper! (What an epic dog name!) He is a little too interested in kitties, so a home without them would be ideal. He was energetic and food motivated. Originally he came as a transfer so his entire background isn’t known. But that smile! He’s a happy dude who would love an active home. 

Jackal

This lovely lady is Jackal! She was a stray but spent time with the family who found her. They say she crates well, was friendly with the older kids and a little too interested in cats. Overall her personality is shy and it does take her a bit to warm up to new people. Once warmed up, it seems she is a high energy lady who would love an active household. 

Ellie

Ellie is a lovely petite lady. She is quite energetic and enjoyed the tasty snacks (and getting as close as possible). She was polite on leash and has great eyebrows!

As of this post, she has an adoption hold!

Coco

What a sweet face! Coco is a sweet pup, originally a transfer from another facility. She worked for food (which means training will be a breeze) and walked nicely on leash. She’s got an eternal puppy face – she’s listed at just over a year old. 

Blaze

This squishy little dude is Blaze!  This cute puppy was part of an oops litter, the last one left looking for a home. He wasn’t particularly interested in food, wanting instead to crawl on me and be as close as possible. By the way, he’s got a great little tail that curls with a “painted” tip. 

Bear

This stunning black pup is Bear! He’s energetic, works for food, has epic ears and a short docked tail. He is looking for a new home due to his previous owner moving. He is house trained, kennels well during the day and tolerates baths when peanut butter lick mats are involved. He would love an active household that would take him on epic adventures!

Bently

This little squish is Bently! Originally he came with his siblings as a transfer. He was adopted but wasn’t the right fit and now is looking for his perfect home. This dude is bouncy – as in literal hops. He’s got lots of playful energy and was interested in treats (which means training should be relatively easy). When he was in the back kennel he play pounced when I walked by with Magic. He will be a bouncy, fun loving dude.  Plus he’s got some neat ears!

These are the adoptable dogs I photographed on Tuesday. If you’re interested in any of them stop in to Tri County Humane Society and meet them in person! 

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