Step Up Your Composition

I'm always looking for creative ways to photograph familiar scenes. Composing landscape images thoughtfully will contribute to the visual success of a photo. 

Today, I'm not going to talk about standard compositional guidelines like the Rule of Thirds. Instead, I want to highlight the fun and creative composition approach of natural framing. Framing is fantastic for many reasons, and I think you should try it at your next opportunity. Here are a few reasons you'll want to use this compositional technique. 

1. Helps identify the main subject

One of the first lessons a landscape photographer should learn about composition is the importance of subject identification. Framing as a compositional technique requires the photographer to first identify the main subject and then surround that main subject with additional natural elements. This approach to creating a photo can strengthen visual impact because there is a clear and identifiable subject within a frame.

2. Creates effective layers

Another essential compositional concept in landscape photography is building layers into a photo. Photos are two-dimensional. It's a photographer's job to compose images in a way that infuses a three-dimensional or life-like feel. Why? Because this creates more visually compelling and relatable imagery. Framing a subject in a landscape photo automatically creates a foreground and infuses depth within a two-dimensional image. 

ISO 100, 16mm, f11, 1/50 sec

3. Infuses creativity 

Who doesn't love a bit of eye-catching creativity within a photograph? I know I sure do. Framing is a naturally creative way in which to capture a landscape scene. Peeking in on something infuses a sense of wonder and play. Think outside of the norm here and look for elements that might get overlooked in a landscape scene and use those to frame your subject. By using creative framing, you'll improve your image's visual effectiveness. 

4. Can reduce the impact of dull or unattractive elements

You enjoy dynamic scenes within your photos if you're anything like me. However, sometimes there are situations where details in a frame aren't all that eye-catching. Natural framing can be a great technique if you want to jazz your photos up in these situations. 

Framing can also hide unattractive elements in a scene. Sometimes covering up some unsightly detail is possible through the use of framing. 

Finding new ways to compose an image is a fun exercise. Don't be afraid to look for opportunities to use the compositional framing technique in your landscape images.