How to use framing in photography to create more powerful images

The use of framing, or framing, is one of the easiest techniques to apply to improve your photo and consists of enclosing your subject in a frame.

It's a creative composition, which can help you take your photos from snapshots to works of art. One trick that is sure to make your images pop is framing.

What is Framing (or framing)?

Framing is a photographic composition technique that isolates a subject by using elements within a scene as a frame. For example, you could position your subject so that it is surrounded by a tunnel, window, or leafy branches. In other words, it involves including a frame within the shot to direct the viewer's eye to the subject.

While the concept is sometimes taken quite literally, with an actual photo frame introduced into the image, frames can be created from anything: nature, architecture, colour, light. The list is endless.

Why use frames?

There are several reasons to incorporate framing into your photography. …

1. Direct the viewer's eye to your subject

All composition rules are intended to help an artist control where someone's eye goes when looking at the artwork. And framing does just that. Isolate and emphasize your subject.

2. Provide context

By framing a subject with relevant elements in a scene, a story develops. For example, using stacks of books to direct attention to a shop owner instantly transforms an ordinary head shot into an environmental portrait. The cherry blossom boughs lining your subject tell us it's spring.

3. Create depth

Framing is a way of adding layers to your photo, which tends to create a three-dimensional feel. Using foreground elements as a frame gives a photo more depth from front to back.

Some ideas for the frames and framing of the subject

Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to what you use as a frame. Here are some examples you can try.

• Nature : Use foliage, flowers, rock formations or branches to draw attention to your subject and make the location stand out.
• Architecture : Doors, windows, archways, and columns give you tons of options for framing around your focal point.
• Light and Shadow : Even the frames can be more abstract. Look for an area of interesting light or shadow to surround your subject. Light works particularly well for emphasizing a subject as our eyes are drawn to the brightest part of a photo.
• Environmental Objects: Use objects in the scene to provide both frame and context. For example, in the photo below, the plumb wall, the door (whose presence can be perceived from the step) and the shadow of the building on the street create a frame in the shot that highlights the cat even more.
• Props : Can't find a frame? Create your own with a mirror, a ring or anything else you have with you.

How to frame a shot

• Decide where you want to lead the viewer's eye. What or who is your subject? A shot without something of interest in it usually adds nothing to an image.
• Look for a frame or make one. Is there a natural setting? Or do you need to use a prop or change position?
• Consider your camera settings. Is the frame an important element that you want your audience to see or a distraction? Choose your aperture based on whether or not you want the frame to be in focus.

Advanced framing techniques

Once you get the hang of framing your subjects, consider taking it a step further.

• Moving Frames : Don't limit your shots to stationary objects. Waiting for cars or other moving things to fall into place to frame your subject can create a unique moment.
• Multiple Frames : There's no reason to stop at just one frame. Put one shot within another to really pinpoint your focal point. Combining frame types emphasizes a subject even more.

Using the framing technique to improve one's photography is something very simple, and in the end, as far as one can tell, anything can be used to create frames that can, indeed, improve photography. However, keep in mind that not all photos lend themselves to framing. But when used creatively and with purpose, framing can take your photography to new heights.