CCMcAfeePhotography... Framing Your Subject

Hello friends!

Today I updated my photo blog with a session from last month!  So behind!

 

I wanted to share a tip with you today, to help you in your photographic efforts!

Before I even start I'll preface with: this is my interpretation of this art form... from my perspective.  Like so many things there is more than one right answer, it boils down to what works for you!

 

I have been taking pictures for so long I don't really think anymore.  I look at something and make adjustments without really thinking of why... why have them stand there, like that?

Sometimes if something isn't working for me I stop and think, then move things around, without really thinking (left brain I guess, I'm all in right brain). 

 

 On a recent shoot an excited father started putting his family in place and I kindly told him where I'd like them to stand, then explained that right in the spot where I wanted them, the tree framed them.  That is why!  I don't usually think about that, I just do it.  It comes natural for me, I can easily see that.

 

It may take time for others to see that... you may not even be aware, or looking for that.  But this is a part of creative composition with your photography.  Can you somehow frame your subject?

 

There are basic rules of composition that apply to photography, they are the same rules that apply in nature, design and many other realms... the purpose of these rules are to direct your eye to something, to please your eye, find harmony, create balance etc.

 

I wanted to show you a few samples of framing today from the session I just posted at CCMcAfeePhotographyTheBlog.com

 

What is framing the family in this shot?  It's the trees.

Can you see how that branch on the right curves right over mom's head?  And dad is framed on his side by the tree trunk.

I could've scooted them to the right as well and been successful placing them between the two larger tree trunks, with mom and dad centered in there.

 This one is easy... the frame of the door is framing the family.

 

Now in these two shots they are standing on one side of the door frame, but can you see how the door frames behind dad are sort of framing him... centering the whole family?

 

Seriously sometimes I don't see it until I'm editing and I'm like... wow, I'm good!  I didn't even really mean to do that, thinking about it... but I see a spot place my subject know it looks good, whatever I'm going for.

 

Thoughtful, or non-thoughtful framing is a great way to direct your eye to your subject.

 

Here is one that didn't work as well.  It's ok, but you can see how things are competing for attention...

It would've been ideal to have the boat on the left with the tree in the foreground framing, then the boat on the right framing...but you can't move a boat!  Next option would be to have the family move to the right, which would've worked too, if it hadn't started raining!  The tree was their canopy!  So, we did this!  It's ok, like I said, but could've been better.

 

 

Here is a bonus from this shoot... Perspective...

These two images are SOOC, so bear with that...

 

In this first image you can see down to the bottom floor a little.  I could edit that out but WHY, when I can save a ton of time by slightly changing my position or perspective.

Taking just a half step to my left and shooting a bit more directly front caused the railing to cover that person down on the first floor.  There is a trade off, you can see more of the top of the first floor, but that isn't as distracting, thus the better option for me!

 

There you it, just a small sampling.  Try it this week, try to find ways to frame your subject.

I'd love to see what you are up to... leave a comment with a link so I can see!