Composition / Learn by doing
Framing explained simply
What is โFramingโ?
Using the image boundary or objects within the scene to control what is included and draw attention to the subject.
- 01Outer frame
- 02Inner border
- 03Subject
How do you use Framing practically?
A small exercise
Photograph a person through a doorway, keeping the doorway as a visible border. Compare with a frame without it.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Framing solve a problem?
It adds context and can separate the subject from a busy scene.
What can go wrong?
Foreground frames can block faces or become more distracting than the subject. Check all edges.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Outer frame โ Inner border โ Subject. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
Composition examples โ B&H
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
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