In continuation of my effort to expand my training on the subject of photography. I am going to reiterate about the next important rule from my photography course outline
Here are my previous posts:
Part 1 - 1 Second Rule & Rule of Thirds
Part 2 - Golden Hour Photography
USE OF FRAMES
The use of frames is one of the principal photography composition. It may add a different perspective to an otherwise dull photo. It is not a principal that can easily be applied because the opportunity doesn't always present itself.
Why?
Often, amateur photographers capture photos that only focused on the main subject. For example, photo a child opening a present with a grin on her face. Instead, the photographer can use a wide angle lens to also capture the birthday decoration and the reaction of the adults surrounding the child. For this case, the frame of this photo are the adults and birthday decorations while the child is the main subject.
Frame adds value to a photo as it either supports the story told or gives a different perspective. Just like the making of movies that we love, it gives you more background to the story.
When?
Opportunity for framing doesn't always present itself. In fact, it is not always when you can apply this element to your photos. There are generally two types of frames. First is natural frame such as skyline, trees, cloud, buildings. Second is within our control such as decorations, buntings, crowds where we can move position the frames at a perfect angle to compliment the subject.
How?
- Find a subject to focus and then walk around to spot for supporting frames. As mentioned above, frames may not present itself but you have to keep your eyes open and look for opportunities.
- Sometimes, it is just as easy as zoom in or zoom out of your lens. Or if you are using a DSLR camera, simple switch of lens can do the trick.
- Be mobile - you may have to squat, climb on a chair, move your subject to fit the frame or do what ever it takes to capture the perfect shot.
Man made arch like this memorial in Melbourne always makes a good frame. All you have to do is to be patient and wait for passerby to walk across and capture the shot.
The patio umbrella is a perfect frame for the patrons to this bar by Yarra River, Melbourne.
In most cases, we are only interested to take photos of the main subject (for this case, it is obviously the penguin).
In stead, we can incorporate crowds as frame to the subject. General rule is not to take photos of crowds with their back facing the lens. But this case is acceptable because the penguins are visible and and eyes of the crowds are directed toward the penguins.
When taking photos from a commercial aeroplane, it is important to include the wings or windows. They serve as the perfect picture frame.
Photos of iconic buildings are too common that it is close to impossible to capture a shot that is worthy of praises from others.
That is where frames come into place. This makes for an interesting photo because most do not even realise that the Sydney Harbour Bridge is sandwiched between CBD (Central Business District) & a wharf.
Curve of the canyon under the shades makes perfect frame to this canyon.
The 1000 year old city of Lijiang, Yunnan, China present perfect framing opportunity to the nicely decorated shops.
Yulong Snow Mountain on the background. This is a perfect example of framing. Just use your hands to cover everything else by the mountain, you will find the photo plain and dull.
This pagoda of Kek Lok Si in Penang, Malaysia is iconic.
Like all iconic buildings, you will need to look for a different angle and frame.
As you can image, there were hundreds of people take photos from the "perfect angle", instead, I was alone when I was taking this photo using the grill as the frame.
As a photographer, I need to be in front of the action to capture the essence of the subject.
But it is important for me to use frames to show viewers that there are participants at the event.
Sometimes, you just have to use digital software to create your frame. Nik Software has many filters, including one for a variety of digital frames.
Doors are always perfect use of frame when they are decorated during festival events.
Devotee at Golden Temple, Punjab, India
Silhouetted arch is always a popular to be used as frames
