5 Tips for Using Framing in Your Photography
Sea weed reflects the early morning sun and frames the incoming waves. Taken with Lensbaby Velvet 28.
Framing in photography refers to the technique of drawing focus to the subject in the photo by blocking other parts of the image with something in the scene. Generally speaking, framing refers to using elements of a scene to create a frame within a frame. For example, by including a window frame, the branch of a tree or simply a vignette you highlight your subject and make the viewer linger over the photo for a little longer.
This month I want to invite you to think about and try out a few framing techniques. Join my free community project “Develop with Light” where we explore this and other monthly subjects.
Things to use as a frame:
Structures like building or fences, door frames, windows etc.:
The metal bike rack in the foreground serves as a golden framing element around the main subject, a life guard tower. Taken with Lensbaby Edge 80.
For this image I used a plastic tube in front of the lens to create this frame around the pier and person.
The reflective facade of a building is used to frame the colors of the sunset. Taken with Lensbaby Edge 80.
2. Shadows
A dark shadow creates a triangular frame in this image and guides the eye directly to the colorful middle of the image.
3. Foreground subjects like body parts, foils, etc.
The colors of a holographic foil add a framing element around the life guard tower. Taken with Lensbaby Edge 35.
4. Contrast between dark and light
The viewer’s eye goes directly to the flying sea gull that is surrounded by bright light leaks. If there wasn’t a contrast between dark and bright areas in this image, the framing effect wouldn’t be so visible.
Here are some tips to consider when using framing:
Focus on the subject instead of the frame or the foreground subject
Make sure the frame section is not overly bright. Our eyes go naturally to the brightest areas of an image first and this will most likely be distracting.
Play with different apertures. Sometimes a small aperture and a lot of depth of field is the most appealing way of telling a story. At other times you need a large aperture to help the viewer find the way through your image.
When you try a new technique it oftentimes sounds very easy, yet is surprisingly difficult to put into action. I recommend taking pictures in your usual way first and adding the new technique only after you found your subject. I’m sure you will be surprised by how quickly you will find framing elements!
A few final inspiring thoughts…
Besides these technical aspects of framing I want to share a quote that goes so well with our March challenge:
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. “ ~ Henry David Thoreau
Since coming across these famous words, I have adored Thoreau’s unique way of looking at the world. We all have a unique way of perceiving the world. If we would all get together and take a picture of the same scene at the same time with the same camera, all of our pictures would look different. This is what makes art, and photography in particular, so intriguing.
By knowing and understanding your unique voice, you can express any scene in your own way. While finding your style can take a long time, photography techniques like framing can be used to improve your photography quickly.
Creative Exercise for the month of March:
Go out and find your own way of framing things. Post your images here in the group and don’t forget to use the hashtag #developwithlight here and on IG for a chance to be featured on my blog next month.
Most importantly - have fun!
P.S. If you are joining “Develop with Light” today, please feel free to go back to last month’s topic. For the month of February we explored “Self Love and Personal Growth”. Part of the exercise was to write a mission statement about your art. (Such a helpful guide at times of creative disorientation or boredom!!) Read more about it here.
This post is part of a blog circle. Next up is Minneapolis Motherhood Photographer Michele Quattrin with a post about mother’s day gift ideas. Go check her out!!!