Frame Work
Assignment L03
This is another assignment that focuses very much on the basics of composition. In the first two asignments I used some of the basic principles of composition. Another useful device in creating a harmonious image is using a ‘frame within a frame’, where you use a natural frame such as overhanging branches or an archway, to emphasise the focal point of your image. This technique keeps compositions tight, naturally directs attention toward the subject and can help enhance depth in the image by separating the foreground and background.
It’s not necessary to completely frame a view – framing just the top or bottom is more subtle and equally effective.
When framing the bottom of a composition look for ‘U’ and’V’ shapes which are naturally pleasing and direct to the eye gently into the scene. Subtlety is, in fact, the key to success with this technique. So, when working on this assignment, I looked for frames that fit naturally with the scene and blended unobtrusively with the middle distance and background.
Technique
- Using a framing device often means getting close to an object in the foreground, so good depth of field is critical.
- Use a small aperture and set your lens to the hyperfocal distance if necessary.
- With architectural frames, such as archways, try to keep your camera as level as possible, so that the verticals stay straight. If this isn’t possible, leave lots of space around them to allow for perspective correction on post-processing.
Special Kit
- Wideangle lens
Field Notes
- Once you start to look you will see frames everywhere.
- In cityscapes they tend to be obvious; arches, doorways, windows and other architectural features.
- In a rural landscape there are plenty of options for framing the bottom of an image, for instance, grasses, flowers, gaps in rocks, and so on.
- For frames at the top of the image, overhanging leaves and branches can be effective as can the right arrangement of clouds.