Framing: A Photography Technique

One of the easiest ways to take a creative photograph is to compose your subject with a frame around it. A photographic frame is an object that that acts as a border or frame for your subject. The frame directs the viewer’s attention to a particular subject or point of interest within the photograph. Frames also create perspective and show depth.

In my photograph of Yosemite’s Half Dome, I could have stepped aside and eliminated the tree from my photograph. Instead I chose to use the tree as a frame around the outside edges of the photograph, bringing the subject of Half Dome into more prominence.

Here are some tips for framing your photographs:

Creatively think of objects to use as a frame. Some examples include branches, windows, tunnels, doorways, and archways. Anything that lets you look through one thing at another thing will make a good frame.

Use an interesting frame for your photograph. If possible use a symbolic object for framing your subject, something that has a meaning in relation to the subject

Consider depth of field when working with a frame as a foreground object. Since you have a foreground object (the frame) and a background object (the subject) you can chose your depth of field. Do you want your foreground to be in focus? If so, then use a small aperture to keep the frame and subject in focus. Conversely, if you want only the subject in focus, use a large aperture.

Keep the camera’s focusing and lighting sensors on the main subject. If possible, use a foreground frame that is a darker object than the background. Expose for the subject in the background and let the frame darken.

Emphasize your subject. All framing directs the viewer’s attention to the subject, but you do not need to always go tightly into the frame. You can leave the subject framed but still leave other objects around the edges of the photograph. In this photograph the frame is a window, but you can still see the cannon around the edges of the photograph.

Next time you’re out with your camera, look for frames all around you. You might be surprised how many opportunities you find and what creative photographs you can take.

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