What if I told you that there is a compositional element so powerful that you could direct the viewer’s eye, obscure an unsightly element, or add depth to your photo, all in one fell swoop?
What if that same element allowed you to create more structure in the photo and help you tell a better story about the subject matter?
Guess what...such an element exists!
Framing is a compositional trick that can do all the things listed above, and more.
By using a frame, you can create more visually interesting images, but you have to be purposeful in how you incorporate a frame into your images.
Let’s have a look at a few critical tips for maximizing the effectiveness of a frame within the frame.
What’s Exactly is a Frame Within a Frame?
First of all, a frame within a frame occurs when you use a visual element in the image to frame the primary subject. The purpose of using a frame within a frame is to help move the viewer’s eye toward that subject.
The beauty of incorporating a frame within the frame is that it can be virtually anything you want - a doorway or window, a cave or tunnel, or even foliage, clouds, or areas of light and shadow.
In the image above, note how the shafts of light coming down from above frame the primary subject - the man standing atop the rock. Note as well that in this case the frame doesn’t necessarily obscure anything, but works more to direct the eye where you want it to go.
But, just because a frame can take various shapes and forms doesn’t mean that it can be incorporated into the shot without thinking it through. In fact, if you place a frame within a frame into your shot without first considering how it impacts the composition, the desired effect might not be achieved. It could even make the photo look worse!
In the video above, Bryan Peterson of Adorama TV explains this concept. Watch as he walks through his thought process for choosing the appropriate frame and how that frame is used to enhance the portraits he takes.
Additionally, when thinking about using a frame, ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is a useful element or not:
- Can it be used to hide something unsightly or undesirable in the shot?
- Will the frame add contrast to the image?
- Does the frame add depth and dimension to the photo?
- By incorporating a frame, are you creating a sense of orderliness or structure?
Keep these questions in mind as you compose your shots, and if you can answer at least one of them with a “yes,” the chances are that your frame will be effective as a compositional tool.
Framing Should Add Interest
In addition to asking yourself the questions outlined above, you also need to consider this all-important factor:
The frame should be used to add interest to an already interesting scene. That is, a frame added to a boring shot will look like a frame added to a boring shot. No amount of framing will make a boring subject look more compelling. The subject needs to be exciting and eye-catching to begin with.