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!