The Art of Framing

Mastering the Art of Framing in Photography: Natural and Mechanical Techniques

Photography, like any other field, is shrouded in myths—chief among them is the idea that some people are naturally good at it. This notion is partly true and partly false. While some individuals might develop certain skill sets from a young age due to their upbringing, societal views, and environment, it doesn’t mean they are born photographers. A common phrase in the photography world is “having an eye for something.”

What Does "Having an Eye for Something" Mean?

"Having an eye for something" essentially means having a unique perspective. It's the ability to understand how to frame a subject, whether using natural or "mechanical" frames. While it's undeniable that some people possess this innate sense, being good at photography requires practice and an understanding of how to operate a camera—skills no one is born with.

The Power of Framing in Photography

One technique that stands out is framing. Framing refers to using elements within the scene to create a visual border around the subject, guiding the viewer's eye to the focal point of the image. This can be done using both natural and man-made objects like tree branches, architectural elements, door frames, or alleyways. Effective framing not only draws attention to the subject but also adds layers, depth, context, and composition to your photograph. It tells a story, providing a clear direction for the viewer and immersing them in the details of the photo.

Natural Framing: Enhancing Composition with Nature

Natural framing involves using environmental elements, such as trees, branches, flowers, or rocks, to create a border around the subject. This technique directs the viewer's attention to the main subject, adding depth and making the image more visually appealing. For instance, capturing a person through an arch of tree branches naturally frames them, enhancing the overall composition of the photo.

Mechanical Framing: Crafting Your Own Boundaries

Let's introduce a concept I like to call mechanical framing. Unlike natural framing, mechanical framing involves creating a frame using moveable objects or items that don’t naturally belong in the environment. This could mean bringing in props or elements to create a border around your subject. For example, you might use a picture frame, a piece of fabric, or other items to frame your subject in a unique and creative way.

Three basic tips to get better at Framing

• Nr.1 Clean borders

  • Clean borders are when you make sure that your borders of the picture you are taking are clean. That they are precise and don’t have any outstanding objects or harsh colors stealing the attention away from what you are trying to photograph. So next time your taking a photo just double check your corners!

• Nr.2 Less is more

  • Now this is almost always the case with better frames, having less items in your photo is almost always better, so that your attention is focused on the subject that you are photographing. So try to minimize where the attention lies and bring that to focus.

• Nr.3 Post processing

  • It’s often hard, especially in street photography to make sure your frames are clean and don’t have people or inanimate disturbing your frames. So when you are post processing its okay to crop the photo or retouch it, to get the most of the frame that you already visualized when you were taking the photo, it’s important to just maintain what you saw in that moment and work with it.

Conclusion

Framing in photography, whether natural or mechanical, is a powerful technique that can elevate your images. While some may have an inherent “eye” for framing, mastery comes with practice and an understanding of your camera. So, next time you're out shooting, think about how you can use elements around you—or bring in your own—to frame your subject and tell a compelling visual story.

Try to remember these tips and get better every time you are out photographing. Going out to try these methods is the most effective so don’t waste your time and go practice!

More tips on leading lines and examples how to use these techniques will be coming soon! So subscribe on the mailing list to be the first to know more!

The Doric Order

You may ask yourself what on earth is the Doric Order?

(probably not though but you’re already here so why not indulge).

Well here is a short story for you on what the Doric Order is.

Long time ago, in ancient Greece, architects and builders sought to create structures that were not only functional but also beautiful and harmonious. It was during the 7th century BCE, amidst this quest for architectural excellence, that the Doric order was born. The Doric order emerged as one of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by its sturdy, no-nonsense design that embodied strength and simplicity.

Imagine a grand temple rising against the backdrop of the azure Aegean Sea. The temple, dedicated to a mighty god, stood tall with its majestic columns, each a testament to the Doric order. These columns were like disciplined soldiers standing in perfect alignment, their fluted shafts rising from the sturdy ground without any base – a hallmark of the Doric design. Each column was capped with a simple, yet elegant capital, a plain, rounded echinus topped by a square abacus.

The main focus of the Doric order was to create a sense of order, proportion, and strength. Unlike the more ornate Ionic and Corinthian orders that would follow, the Doric order's beauty lay in its austere simplicity and functional design. Temples constructed in the Doric order, such as the Parthenon in Athens, became symbols of the power and culture of the city-states that built them.

Now, let us delve into a curious aspect of the Doric order known as the "Doric corner conflict." Imagine, if you will, an architect named Callimachus, who was given the grand task of designing a magnificent temple. Callimachus wanted every detail to be perfect, down to the precise alignment of the columns and the metopes – the square panels between the triglyphs in the frieze.

As Callimachus worked on his design, he encountered a perplexing problem. The triglyphs – vertical grooves that decorated the frieze – were supposed to align perfectly with the columns below. But at the corners of the temple, this alignment faltered. If he placed a triglyph directly above each column as tradition demanded, there would be an awkward gap at the corners where the triglyphs would not align properly with the end of the frieze.

Determined to solve this conundrum, Callimachus pondered and experimented. He realized that the solution lay in adjusting the spacing of the triglyphs and columns at the corners, a subtle shift that would maintain the harmony of the design without sacrificing the structural integrity. By narrowing the spacing slightly at the corners, he could ensure that the triglyphs would align correctly above the columns, preserving the rhythmic pattern that was so crucial to the Doric aesthetic.

This innovative solution to the Doric corner conflict became a defining feature of the Doric order, showcasing the ingenuity and adaptability of ancient Greek architects. Through this story of Callimachus and his temple, we see how the Doric order was not just a set of rigid rules, but a living tradition that evolved to meet the challenges of architectural perfection.

And so, the legacy of the Doric order lived on, influencing countless structures and leaving an indelible mark on the history of architecture. Its columns stood as sentinels of an era where form and function merged seamlessly, reminding us of the timeless quest for beauty and balance in the built environment.

So, next time you're faced with a tricky challenge, ask yourself:

"What is my Doric corner?"