Framing In Photography: What Is It & How To Do It

If you heard the term framing and you went out to look for its meaning, you just landed in the right place.

In this article, we will discuss and elaborate on framing techniques.

We tend to display favorite photographs of our loved ones in multiple frames so that we can remember them throughout our life.

But no, we’re not going to discuss that, at least not this time; instead, we’ll discuss framing as a technique.

Let’s figure out what framing is without wasting time further. Moreover, I will also make sure to include a few ideas.

What Is Framing In Photography?

When it comes to framing photography shots, every photographer should know what we exactly mean with framing.

Framing is the technique that blocks other parts of the image with something in the scene, in order to bring attention to the subject of your photograph.

Framing can add context to a photograph and tell the viewer’s eye something about the person or location where it was taken. Pretty much it is similar to selective focus, in which the photographer directs our attention to what he wants us to see, but the framing is more natural, with no blur or any other effect.

What makes photo framing so important in photography is that by removing distracting or uninteresting secondary framing elements. Not only that but framing improves the visual appeal of a photograph, it sure leaves a mark on the viewer’s memory by filling the negative space.

Framing is all around us, It’s difficult to stop seeing frames in the real world once you’ve started seeing them and that’s what we can pretty much refer to as natural frames.

It’s one of those things that takes a little time for the eye to recognize, but with enough experience, spotting frames will become natural to the eye.

The Benefits of Framing a Photograph

Giving the Photo A Story

While every picture tells a story, by framing the subject you’re photographing, you can give it a deeper meaning.

For example, an empty bench through a locked door can tell many things that you can’t describe with words.

Directing the Viewer’s Eye

As I previously stated, in addition to selective focus, photographers use framing to direct the viewer’s attention to their main subject.

Don’t forget to check out more information on selective focus.

In a way, you remove the unnecessary things in the background and frame only the subject that matters.

Pleasing Aesthetically

Apart from that, I can’t deny that it looks stunning and beautiful, especially when you add some blur and make it cross into selective focus boundaries.

Some photographers, particularly hobbyists, are unaware that they are practicing framing photography; they simply find it creative and appealing without being aware that is actually something called framing photography.

How Do You Frame a Photograph?

Everything in your environment can be used as a frame; all you have to do is choose the perfect moment and the right areas while ignoring the rest of the background.. There are a bunch of methods you can use to get the best out of framing below I will try to mention the best ones possible.

Using Architectural Elements

As the name implies It is the type of framing that uses architectural objects to produce a frame approach. For instance, walls, windows, doors, tables, and so forth.

Below are some samples as well as some stunning photographs taken in architectural environments.

When photographing at home or indoors, you want to be as creative as possible; after all, that’s what photography framing is all about. You want to see things in a way that others can’t.

Using Lights and Shadows

Yes, I know sounds weird a bit but lights and shadows combined can produce some lovely and subtle frames. However, using lights and shadows is more difficult than it sounds.

You want to play around with light rays and shadows, using them as frames or say corners, which results in splendid images, below you will see some great examples.

Using People and their Bodies

This one is also self-explanatory, you can use your body parts to make frames. Be it in portraiture or using an extra person to shape the frame photography.

Some examples can be seen below.

Using “Mother Nature” and Geometric Shapes

Use natural elements as framing; whenever you go outside, you’ll discover some places that will inspire your imagination. For example, if you’re at a beach and come across rocks, don’t be afraid to use them as a frame.

Different types of shapes are referred to as geometric shapes, for example, a square, triangle, circle, or rectangle can be used. The shape will be obvious because it will be centered on your subject.

For example, suppose you come across a bird sitting on a tree. You may now use the circular tree branches as a frame to catch the bird. This will focus the viewer’s whole attention on the insect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to use the framing photography composition?

No, you don’t. Despite there being tips and tricks you can learn, framing is all about your creativity.

Is Fill the Frame the same as Framing?

No, they are not, filling the frame is something that makes the subject zoomed in or say a large portion of your image.

Is there a way to frame within a frame?

Look for objects that can act as a frame for your subject and include that frame in your photograph to create a more noticeable “frame inside a frame” effect. You could, for example, shoot through a hole in a wall, or a door lock while your subject is on the other side.

Final Words

One of the simplest methods to take your images to the next level is to use frames. Framing photography can tell a powerful story that words can’t, and the more you practice it, the simple it gets.

Framing is simpler than it appears. Everything in your surrounding can be used as a frame for your photography composation.

Doesn’t matter if you are an entry-level photographer or a professional one, framing doesn’t require groundbreaking skills, all you need is to use your imagination and a little creativity.

I hope you found this article helpful in terms of picture framing.