“Frame Your Subject” doesn’t mean a picture frame on the wall – I mean you can do that but this tip is about finding creative ways to frame while you shoot.
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Frames bring attention to your subject, and also add an element of Depth of Field.
How do you find something to Frame your subject?
A frame can be anything from shooting through a door (or window) to using trees or other things as a frame.
In the below example, see how the branches on the left and right create a frame for the cows?
I love when there are flowers in the trees. Makes the framing even more interesting, and shows the time of year. I also love the depth of field. See how the branches frame the clock tower?
Use Your Frame to Add to your Story
Every part of the image can help (or not) with telling a story. Frames are a great way to add to your story, whether it’s by showing the season, a hint to the location, or things that expand the message in the image.
This image is of my Riley her senior year of high school. The story? She has been obsessed with basketball since she was a toddler. The door she is standing in (the frame in this example) is the barn at my MILs house that has the court she has practiced in all her life. The plaque on the door is in honor of my FIL who played basketball in college, and after HS my daughter would go on to follow in his footsteps.
Or this image, where the frame is the lit Christmas tree framing my Alex as she decorates Christmas cookies.
You Can Also Get Creative and Use a Real Frame (or Photoshop)
I personally prefer natural frames that are in your scene, but you can also get creative and use an actual frame (or edit to create the look you want).
Not the best image of me LOL but you get the idea.
Bottom Line? Always Look For Frames!
In the words of Abbas Kiarostami “I’ve often noticed that we are not able to look at what we have in front of us, unless its inside a frame”
Was this tip helpful? Do you have any plans for using it moving forward? If so let me know in the comments!
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I am a spirited blogger from Chelsea, MI who thrives on adventure, creativity and exploring the world through the lens of my camera (even if it’s my phone). When I’m not chasing sunsets and amazing views, I spend time with my heart dog Maizie. If travel, creativity and a dash of blunt honesty (with the occasional F-bomb) sparks your curiousity, you are in the right place.