Title: Dance, Dance!

Framing is a vital technique used to give your photograph depth and character. This does not mean you don’t need to carry a picture frame around with you, but as a photographer you should be aware of the image that you see when looking through the viewfinder of your camera. Consider your viewfinder your picture frame that you carry around wherever you go. Framing uses naturally occurring objects in the foreground to frame your center of interest (main subject).

You’ll be amazed with the abundance of natural frames out there. These can include windows, doorways, architecture or even plants and trees. It just takes a bit of imagination and experimentation to turn a normal snapshot into a work of art. Ideally the frame should relate to the theme of the picture; for example in the photo above the dancers leg, arm and movement in her hair frame the logo of the production/event. In the case of an architecture scene one can be frame by using windows or walls. Framing can also be quite useful in hiding undesirable foregrounds and backgrounds.

At the end of the day it comes down to great composition and the proper use of framing is one of the most neglected points of photography. Learn it.