Framing your Photo
Incorporating a frame into your photo can transform a plain picture into an amazing one. Typically a foreground element is used to create the frame. Some frame elements could be a window frame, arches, a door, rows of trees, a fence, an overhanging tree branch and so on
A frame serves to isolate your main subject and create an interesting composition. Oftentimes, it’s the feeling of depth you’re after. You may choose to keep the detail of the frame (as in a wall, fence or branch), or let the frame go completely dark (as in a window frame).
Keep in mind objects in the foreground (and even in the middle or background) that could be used as a frame when composing a shot. Move around in your environment to find the best angle or viewpoint when framing a subject. You might need to kneel down, back up or zoom in to capture the best composition for your chosen frame and subject.
Framing can also be done after the fact by combining two or more pictures in an image editing software. Very dramatic effects can be accomplished this way and you are only limited by your imagination.
Be careful when adding a frame through digital editing though. While you can certainly combine features of different images together, be cautious about adding artificial frames on familiar scenes and landscapes.
As an extreme example, don’t frame the Statue of Liberty by the St. Louis Arch. Unless your purpose is to create dissonance within your viewers’ minds, that picture will just look strange.
Next time you go to take that photograph, check out what you might be able to use as a natural frame. Experiment with this, and if you have any doubts, take one photo with a frame and one without. I bet you’ll find you eye drawn to the one making use of a natural frame.
