How to Use Framing for More Effective Compositions

By: Jeremie Schatz 

From my experience, it’s true – photographers tend to see the world in a different way. If not from the beginning, eventually, and maybe subconsciously, your eye is trained to notice details differently. Perhaps it’s the way light falls off of, or wraps around an object, or when pleasing geometrical compositions fall into place. In extreme cases, you may even start to catch glimpses of your camera’s viewfinder layout when you blink (you might want to seek help for this).

Some opportunities to use framing in photographs are less subtle than others. Of all the images I shot 

in this Chinese garden, this one stood out, as it not only shows the hidden nature of the garden,

but makes a 

perfect frame.

Often, an important step in the “Seeing like a Photographer” evolution is to begin recognizing, and implementing, framing elements into your images.
Although in photo lingo we talk about framing often, it is one of the strongest tools you have at your disposal to create strong compositions. Let’s be clear that when we talk about framing your photo, we may be referring to the actual border of the image itself – but in this article we are discussing other objects used to intentionally create some sort of border around the subject of the image.
However, clever framing is just one part of an equation that fits into an overarching photographic formula. In certain circumstances, the frame itself may be so ridiculously amazing and awe inspiring that it carries the image all by itself. In practice, you are likely to use framing in order to draw attention to, and strengthen, the subject of the photo.

Framing can help highlight your subject, directing the viewer’s gaze where you want it.

Framing can be used to various degrees; while some framing elements may be subtle in one image, they can be quite obvious in others. This can be a product of your personal creativity or style, or simply a result of making do with what you have, as there aren’t always framing options for every photo you shoot.
Using framing to boost your photo’s appeal is generally a good tactic, and is a great approach to creating original images of over-photographed scenes or landmarks.

A keen eye for framing can yield original images of well-photographed landmarks like the Space Needle in Seattle.

As a photographer you will become familiar with the feeling of walking up to a familiar scene, turning on your camera and raising the viewfinder to your eye, only to not push the shutter button. You’ve realized that you’ve seen the picture you were about take a million times, and you want your own unique shot.
For example, as I wander around a new city seeing the sights, I am always looking for environmental elements that I can use to add a sense of place, or implement as an element of a frame. Once you make a conscious effort to use framing techniques in your photography, you start to see all sorts architectural and natural elements that you can use.

After developing an eye for framing your subject, many opportunities will reveal themselves.

What can you use to frame your image? Some of the more common elements include foliage such as trees, branches, and leaves. Windows and mirrors in houses and cars are other popular framing options.

Framing elements come in many shapes and sizes – creative perspectives can pay off.

I like to look for interesting architectural features, or even use people as framing borders. Sometimes you may not necessarily even have a subject in mind for an image but see a good framing opportunity, so you then look for a compelling subject or wait for a person to pass through the scene inside the frame.
You can also use lighting as a powerful framing tool. As we are always working with various lighting in photography, what is included or excluded from the lighter areas of the image can help isolate the subject.
Although it’s best practice to develop an eye for framing while out shooting, other options may often present themselves while editing your photos. Cropping can be very useful for honing in on, or aligning, the framed area of the photo just right. Other tools such as the Graduated Filter or Radial Filter in Lightroom, can be used to lighter or darken specific areas of your image, to boost the intensity of your framing.
Have you made good use of framing techniques? Share your successes and images with everyone in the comments below.

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