It Was Framed!

     When people hang pictures on a wall, more often than not, they will use a frame. But what if photographers can frame their subjects in a photo? Could that be used in place of a frame on the wall? 

     Maybe not, but the technique of framing is still valuable in photography. It can enhance and draw attention to the subject. However, it's important that the frame won't be a distraction (Peterson 206). Basically, the frame should be simple enough that the subject is what the viewer's eye is drawn to.

The flames of the fire in this image draw
attention to the hot coal by surrounding it.

      Framing doesn't have to be so obvious either. Sometimes it can be more subtle, like a suggestion of a frame rather than a clearly cut out one. Doing this "is one of the simplest ways to create both depth and perspective in a composition" (Peterson 205). I used a large aperture and the snow on a fence to create this photo of a snowy swimming pool.

The out of focus snow in the foreground "hides" the swimming
pool, which creates an image that feels more private.

What other kinds of frames can you think of to include in your photography? Let me know in the comments!

An extra picture that shows the difference between a
subject that's framed and one that's not :)