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Photo Tips & Techniques

Framing is a technique photographers use for one of three reasons; the frame can be used as a compositional device to draw the viewer's attention to the main subject, it can be used to hide distractions and blank areas within the image, or it can be used to create the illusion of depth. Subjects commonly used as frames include the overhang of a building, tree branches, out of focus vegetation, doorways or windows, the ends of tunnels, playground tubes, etc.

A strategically composed frame should draw the viewer's eye to the subject. Whether the frame partially or fully surrounds it, the frame should lead the viewer to the subject. The frame should be secondary and not compete with the key element of the image. The goal is to make the viewer aware of the frame's presence, but not have it be overpowering.

Frames are also used to hide areas in a picture that would otherwise lack impact. Let's say you were photographing a country barn on a spring day but Mother Nature provided you with a lackluster sky. By creating a composition wherein a blossoming tree branch overhangs the barn and simultaneously take up a portion of the bland sky, a much more pleasing image can be created.

The technique of framing is great to give the illusion of depth. As seen in the accompanying images, the shot with just the three trees is very two dimensional in appearance. By adding a strong foreground frame that leads the eye to the same set of trees in the background, a feeling of depth and presence is depicted. Rather than just take pictures, look for ways to frame your main subjects so you can learn to make pictures. Look for ways to create depth, dimensionality and harmony in your images by using this technique.

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