What Is Framing in Photography: Definition, Purpose, and Examples

Part 1 - What Is Framing in Photography

In photography, Framing is a very useful composition technique that you can use to create a kind of border for your main subject with things in the scene, which draws the viewer's eye straight in.

To put it even simpler, using those visual borders inside the photo rather than just the edges of the photo itself is pretty much what framing composition in photography is all about.

Here are some examples of framing elements you might use:

• Like windows or doorways, for instance
• Or arches or tunnels
• Tree branches or leaves
• Shadows or light patterns

Using framing makes it a lot easier to create a visually appealing photo with a clear focus and depth, and it keeps the viewer's attention right where you want it to be.

Part 2 - What On Earth is the Point of Framing in Photography

Having an idea of what framing in photography is all about will enable you to use it intentionally and not accidentally.

Framing gets used for:

• Making your subject stand out amongst the background.
• Getting rid of distractions
• The insertion of some depth and layers into the scene.
• Direct the eye of the viewer in the direction you want.
• Giving some background to what is actually happening in the photo.

Framing is not overwhelming the subject because, when performed correctly, it reinforces it. It needs to merely appear as though it belongs to the picture as opposed to something one has tried to wedge into it.

Part 3 - The Different Types of Framing in Photography

There are loads of different framing styles out there - each one produces a different effect.

Natural Framing

What is natural framing in photography?

Natural framing is when you use all the natural stuff in the environment to frame your shot - like trees, rocks, or ferns.

It's particularly good for:

• Landscape photography
• Outdoor portraits
• Travel photography etc

Subject Framing

What is subject framing in photography?

Stuff like this just places framing elements right next to or around the subject, so all you can see is that.

Common in:

• Portraits
• Street photography
• Documentary photography

Centre Framing

What is centre framing in photography?

The subject is pretty much right in the middle of the frame - the surrounding elements act as the border.

Often used when:

• You're trying to show some symmetry
• You're taking a photo of a building
• You need the subject to be the very thing the viewer sees

Foreground Framing

What is foreground framing in photography?

Foreground framing uses all the stuff in the foreground to frame up the subject in the background.

This method:

• Adds loads of depth
• Creates a layered feel to the image
• Makes the image feel really immersive

Part 4 - Framing in Photography Examples with Visual Ideas

Here are some really clear examples of framing in photography, complete with some ideas to get you started.

Example 1 - Window Frame Portrait

Image Idea: Get creative with a person in a window frame - try positioning them through a gap or seated in a window.

Example 2 - Tree Branch Natural Frame

Image Idea: Look for a really pretty landscape and use tree branches to frame it in. Think wild and a bit untamed.

Example 3 - Architectural Archway

Image Idea: Stand your subject under a beautiful arch or tunnel - or even just a modern doorway. Get creative with the lines and angles.

Example 4 - Foreground Blur Frame

Image Idea: Take a chance with some deliberate blur in the foreground - maybe using leaves or other things to create a soft focus area.

Example 5 - Middle Framing with Symmetry

Image Idea: Try placing your subject right in the middle of a symmetrical scene, like a door, gate, or window. Get the lines to match up and see what happens.

Part 5 - Common Framing Mistakes to Watch Out For

When it comes to framing, remember it can work against you if you get it wrong.

You might be guilty of:

• Overstuffing the frame
• Using framing elements that distract from the subject
• Poor alignment
• Exposure in the frame does not match the subject

Good framing should be deliberate and help tell the story - it shouldn't fight with the subject.

Part 6 - Upscaling Framed Images with HitPaw FotorPea

Framing relies on having a clear view of everything in the frame. If the edges are fuzzy or the textures are soft, it just doesn't work as well. That's where HitPaw FotorPea comes in handy.

With FotorPea, you can:

• Get a resolution boost without losing any detail
• make the frame and subject really stand out from each other
• make foreground and background layers pop with more clarity
• Get your framed images ready for print or a large screen

FotorPea helps you keep your framing looking snappy and clear, which is pretty important if you want your images to look their best.

Conclusion

Understanding what framing in photography is all about can provide you with much control over what the viewer is looking at and paying attention to. Regardless of whether you frame your shot using branches, architectural lines, leaves, or lines, it assists your image in standing out and narrating a story. After you have taken your shot, HitPaw FotorPea may then provide an added layer of crispness and sharpness so that your framed images will appear as well as possible in any format.