What is Framing?
- Framing
- A technique of drawing attention to the subject of your image by blocking other parts of the image with something in the scene.
Framing is the fastest and easiest way to bring attention to your subject. And while there are several different variations of framing, the premise is the same. They all work to bring the viewer’s eye to the subject of your photograph.
Types of Frames
1. Architectural Elements
One of the most obvious ways to frame your subject is to use architectural elements such as doorways, archways, window frames or any component that is permanent fixture within the location that you’re shooting.
For example, these pews (also leading lines) draw your attention straight to the little girl in red.
Of course, the use of framing can also give the viewer the feeling of intruding on a moment. For example, in the image above, you almost feel as though you are a creeper peeking in on this little girl pretending to vacuum the bedroom. You wouldn’t want all of your images to evoke that sort of emotion, but this perspective creates added interest to what might otherwise be a snapshot.
2. Environmental Elements
You can also use the environment to frame your shot.
Trees are an obvious choice for framing your subject, as they have a way of naturally wrapping around your subject. You can also get low and use grass, bushes or flowers to draw the eye towards your subject by creating depth of field (a blurred foreground).
For example, when you see this image of the little boy walking in the cotton field, the cotton on either side of him draws your eye towards the little boy. Your eye will then travel up to the sky and then back to the boy to discover that he’s in a cotton field allowing your eye to really examine the photograph from all sides.
3. Depth of Field
Framing doesn’t have to be a permanent object or thing. It can simply be something that blocks off part of the frame. With part of the frame out of focused or covered, the eye will naturally lead to the more open space. Ideally you will place your subject in that space.
For example, in this photo, you can see that this little girl is being bathed by her daddy. He is out of focus leading your eye straight to her.
A benefit of this framing technique is that it gives the image a sense of depth and layers. Your eye tends to be drawn towards the areas in focus first, while the added dimension adds depth to the photo, making the image that much more interesting.
Just about any shape or opening that you might happen upon can be used to frame your subject. If it forms a defined area, use it! Just keep your eyes open and ready.
4. Light (or lack thereof)
Using your available light (or lack thereof) to frame your subject is another incredibly effective approach to framing.
For example, in the above shot, we are pairing architectural elements with this beautiful window light to frame our subject. When you find such a “frame,” you’ll be tempted to use it for everything.
For example, in the above shot, you mostly just notice this little girl’s gloves. As a viewer, you might wonder why she’s wearing gloves, or what might be going on that she’s pressed up against the door. Since the gloves are the only thing that is illuminated, the darkness around our subject creates a dark frame that creates a little more impact.
As you can tell, “frames” can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be anything from the obvious to the slightly less (or not) obvious. We ask you to consider this question: “Will this add to or detract from my image?” when composing your shot. Framing doesn’t always add the impact in the way you might think. In fact, sometimes framing can make an image feel rather cluttered. On the other hand, it can make the difference between an ordinary shot and “frame-worthy!”
With that in mind, get creative and practice using this technique. We are sure you’re going to find all kinds of opportunities for framing your subjects.
Photo Credit: Ashley Sisk
