In this article I'll look at what the technique is and how you can best employ it to add some creativity to your images.
WHAT IS FRAME WITHIN A FRAME PHOTOGRAPHY?
Frame within a frame is a fairly literal composition technique. The idea is that you frame your subject with something else positioned within your scene. The second frame refers to the frame provided by the edge of your photograph.
There's no set rule as to the shape of your frame. Rectangular frames are popular (think doors and windows), but you can experiment with squares, ovals even hexagons and octagons! You can make a frame with a huge variety of found objects, or props that you've provided. The only rule is that there should be a clear border and frame around your subject.
You might also hear frame within a frame described as sub-frame. The sub-frame refers to the second frame added inside the frame of the photograph.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE THE FRAME WITHIN A FRAME TECHNIQUE?
This useful technique has a variety of reasons to use it. These include:
DIRECTING A VIEWER'S EYE
A strong photograph is one that directs a viewer's eye into the image and towards a particular part of the shot (your subject). Using a frame around your subject is a simple way to draw attention to that area of the shot.
Remember that it's not just the obvious framing that works here (e.g. using an archway to frame a building behind it). You can use this technique in portraiture - perhaps get your model to wear a coat with a hood and use that hood to 'frame' their face and, in particular, eyes.
CONTEXT
This story is from the Issue 124 edition of Photography Masterclass Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 124 edition of Photography Masterclass Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE LOWDOWN ON THE SIGMA 15 MM F/1.4 ART FISHEYE LENS FOR SONY
Still, I don't want you to think I'm trying to give you the ol' bait-and-switch, so I'll say right from the top that this lens is quite pricey, and it's certainly not for everyone.
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: DINA BELENKO
In this issue, we interview Dina Belenko, the conceptual still life photographer whose work transcends the boundaries of imagination.
PROVEN TECHNIQUES FOR CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF FIREWORKS
Snapping the perfect shot of a fireworks display involves more than just pointing and shooting.
7 REASONS TO USE A DEDICATED CAMERA INSTEAD OF A SMARTPHONE
Nearly all of us us have a smartphone in our pockets and the included cameras have led to a real explosion in photography.
7 COMPOSITION TIPS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOS
If you've wondered why some photos just look better, one of the secrets is often the composition.
THE LOWDOWN ON THE CANON EOS R50 MIRRORLESS CAMERA
An ideal camera for entry level photographers on a budget
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID WRAGG
In this issue we featured David Wragg, an English automotive studio photographer. David caught our eye when he shared one of his images with us on Facebook where he captured the sleek curves of the front end of a classic Jaguar E Type.
MASTERING SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY: TECHNIQUES FOR CAPTURING THE ACTION AND FREEZING THE MOMENT
Sport is such a broad and encapsulating term. People across the world love playing and watching a huge variety of sports – from tennis, through football and formula one; every sport will appeal to someone.
THE BENEFITS OF SHOOTING IN APERTURE PRIORITY MODE:
How Aperture Priority can help you achieve creative control over depth of field
EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY AND GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just enjoy taking images as an amateur, it’s easy to fall into a comfort zone of always shooting the same thing.