Using Frames In Photography

Have you read our "Rule of Thirds" and "Don't Crop at the Joints" posts yet? Not a worry. You can start here and go back and re read them!

We have started a series of some of the rules of composition to help you create better images. Today's topic, Using Frames in Photography, has nothing to do with an actual print "frame", but rather using what you see through the camera to "frame" your subject.

What is a "frame"?

Frames can be almost anything-the outline of a tree trunk and branch, a door or window frame, or even a hole in a wall. They are everywhere if you know how to spot them.

Why use them?

Using a "frame" in your image has many reasons and uses. For example, they can isolate your subject, they can point you directly to your subject, they can hide items you do not want to see in your image, and they can give an image some depth. A frame can be natural-something in your environment like a tree or plant, man made such as a structure, door, or bridge, or even human, such as using your arms to create a space to frame the face.

The image below was taken using a natural frame-the ivy archway that spanned the entire walkway at Fabyan Forest Preserve in Batavia, Il.

We placed our subject, beautiful Maddie, in the middle of the walkway and used the ivy around her to create the frame. Here, there is some depth, and your eye is naturally drawn to her first.

The following image was taken at Riverview Forest Preserve in Naperville, IL. it at the perfect time as the grasses were growing, and there were many natural, seasonal plants and trees in bloom.

We used this grassy area as a frame, but as you can see, it does not cover them entirely. Frames can be used like that! There is framing on the sides and behind, so it still draws your eye directly to them and creates a little depth.

Here we used a man made frame-the curtains! Our Santa was waiting her turn to go on stage at YPAC's location in Plainfield, IL. She not only stands out due to the color of her suit and the color of the curtains, but because she was in between the two curtains, which provided two "lines" as a frame.

One of my favorite images. Once again-at Fabyan Forest Preserve in Batavia, IL at, what I call, the grotto. The grotto is a long, stone structure that looks as if water used to flow from an area into a beautiful pond. Many photographers use this area as there is so much you can do to create an incredible photograph.

For this image, Maddie stood at one end and I stood at the other. (not sure of the length of the structure, but it is at least 20 feet long) The stone structure surrounds her for the most part and your eye is immediately drawn to her, the subject, which was the intention.

Maddie is about 4 inches taller than the top of the structure. But, she looks like she fits inside the frame. Why? Due to creative camera settings, posing, and the place I was taking the image from-this is the result!

So the next time you are outside, just look around you and see what you can use for a frame. As mentioned, the frame does not have to be on all four sides, can be man made, natural, or human, and is a great way to show depth, draw your eye directly to the subject, and hide items you do not want in your images.

It takes practice to see frames because this is not something we naturally do. So, before you even go outside to photograph your subject, take a walk and just look around and see what frames you see. You will be amazed at how many there are!

Interested in learning more?

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post

Why Moms need to Exist in Portraits

June 1, 2025

Understanding the Basics of Photography

March 31, 2025

Printing Your Photos-What's the Big Deal?

December 28, 2024

Print-it's worth it

December 11, 2024