In a way, the simple act of taking a series of photographs involves framing a specific space. When we photograph, we frame a space. With the camera and its lens, we also determine the field of view by using the zoom as the location where we are. This is how we decide what to include in the picture and what not. This is the frame defined by the same picture. But in image composition, there is another way to frame: natural frames.

Natural frames, in composition, are used as a resource to help you accentuate what you are photographing, to flesh out an image or an idea, but also to focus attention on a particular element. The type of frame you choose will affect the photograph itself. With this in mind, this post will look at the types of natural frames that can be found and how to use them in your photographs.

Why use natural frames?

As we have seen, the main function of natural frames included in the photo is to focus attention on a specific element of the image. Even when the natural frame does not surround the element being photographed, using it will accentuate a subject or object in the photo.

According to DZOFILM, this type of frame will give the image more depth of field. A landscape photographed with a wide angle is very flat. By creating several planes in the image, the image ceases to be flat and gains in depth. The frame can be in the foreground and even behind the subject or object in the picture. This is an ideal way to add layers to the image, and it also adds context to the shot.

Using a natural frame with elements of the scene being photographed also contextualises the shot. It is a way of providing more information about the location and environment of the photograph. Natural frames produce an order and a route in the image.

Natural frames: types, where to find them?

To find natural frames, it is important to remember that they do not necessarily have to be glued to the edges of the image or cover all sides completely.

Natural frames with irregular shapes

As mentioned above, a frame does not have to be totally irregular. In fact, it will more often be irregular and made up of several elements.

Regularly shaped frames
If you can find a natural frame with a regular shape, such as a window, your composition will be much more balanced and stable.

They don't need to cover all the edges of the image

Sometimes you can find a frame from an element that is only in one part of the picture, like a tree trunk or its branches, for example. Just look around and you will almost always find something that helps you frame, even partially. You can also use curved natural frames to give your photos a greater sense of movement.

Framing using blur

When we talk about natural frames, we tend to forget one of them, which is blur. Blurring the entire image except for the point of interest will create emphasis, while using a natural frame.

All objects can be used as natural frames

As with any other communication technique, the natural frame is a resource that should not be abused. Bear in mind that things are abused, so it will be up to you to decide when to use it and when not to.

Frames formed by natural elements

So you know that any element can be used as a natural frame, and once you've spotted it, you'll always have it on hand. Trees, branches, leaves, rocks, mountains and even people and animals can all be used as natural settings. Other ways to do this are with textures and colours. You can also use contrast to form a natural setting.

Frames created by artificial elements

Artificial frames are very common in urban environments. Buildings, houses, railings, fences, doors, windows, traffic signs, bridges, tunnels, vehicles... There are a lot of elements to use in your photo to produce a natural frame. So you can find frames anywhere.

Natural frames with light and shadow

Frames can also be abstract. You can look for an attractive point of light or shadow around your subject. Light is very effective in emphasising a subject as our eyes have learned to look at the brightest part of a picture.

Create natural frames with a background

Can't find anything to frame? Make the frame yourself using an object. We've already mentioned on the blog the use of mirrors to make portraits. Objects that can be very useful to create a frame. But you can also use elements around you to do this.

Conclusion on natural frames

As we have seen, the use of natural frames is a compositional tool. So just like the golden ratio or other compositional tools, remember that it is just that, a tool. While using a natural frame will often add pizzazz to your photo, it may be a less appropriate choice on other occasions. Look for frames that you can use in the picture but without forcing it. A good tip is to take two photos: one with the frame, the other without. This way you can assess which solution is best for your picture. And experiment again and again, it will help you to progress as a photographer!

For more information, check now on https://www.dzofilm.com/Blog/