Not sure what you mean about the camera (I'm new as well), but it should work.
I've got 8.5 so maybe it's different for your version.
If I create a plane and rotate it 90 on X, then attach an image to it, it's in front of the grid in the front view. So, if I go back into perspective view, grab the green handle and move it backwards along Y (negative), then when I go back into front view, the image is behind the grid.

Hope this helps.