Frame your subject

  

One of the easier compositional techniques in photography is the use of framing your subject, in your photo, using elements in the scene. This is one more tool in your arsenal of compositional techniques.

Framing draws the viewer’s eye to the main subject and provides more depth to the picture. The result is an image which draws your eye naturally to the main point of interest. Framing often intrigues the viewer and causes them to linger on your image. Framing can offer context of who, what, when and where your photo was taken.

In the photo below the Robin in the birdbath is my main subject. The flower pots, flowers and small statue in front draw your eye in and up to the splashing bird.

Frames in photographs can include using anything from windows, trees, tunnels, arches or doorways. Use your imagination – take advantage of serendipitous opportunities. Don’t limit yourself, experiment.

Framed by trees:

Look over the bike's seat and the helmet for a nice ocean view. 

Photo credit John Sterling Jr.

Shooting through the dead grass framed the new bikes parked at the abandoned gas station. I love the contrast here between new and old.

Photo credit John Sterling Jr.

Framing can give your image the feeling of depth: 

Framing can tell a story. Below the newborn colt huddles close to mom, probably trying to figure out what the heck his new world is all about.

Whether or not you use framing for composition in your photograph will depend on the subject and location. What you use as a frame in the scene will depend on your surroundings or what you are trying to convey. Often I just get lucky with a shot and find it frames itself.

Photo credit John Sterling Jr.

To my advanced readers:

When using framing decide if you want the frame itself in focus. A blurred frame adds a sense of unique mood and depth to your shots so use a large aperture. Use a narrow aperture if you want your frame in focus.

Links to my other posts on composition:

To chop or not to chop

Composing Backgrounds and Elements

The Rule of Thirds

And Matt Considine's informative guest post : Capturing a Satisfying Image

And as always, read, read, read and practice, practice practice!

Here's links to suggested reading. Also, your local library may have these books.

Suggested reading: David duChemin's books are great - I have several. They are easy to understand and follow and packed with information. 

And another good one:

Post a photo in the comments section using any of the composition techniques or any photo you'd like to share. Here's how:


You can upload a photo in a comment box.  Click into a comment box. See the plus sign (+) in the lower left corner of your comment box. Click it and follow the instructions. It will upload a thumbnail photo. Click the thumbnail to enlarge the photo for viewing. If you have trouble let me know :D