One of our favorite things about photography is framing. And no, we’re not talking about printing one of our pictures and putting it in a frame to hang on the wall…even though it always puts a huge smile on our face when a client sends us a picture of one of our photos hanging on their wall! What we are talking about is the way in which we frame the photo in our camera and all of the new opportunities that framing techniques open up to a photographer! It’s the secret sauce that adds dimension and interest to your photos! And the best part? There are literally limitless ways to do it. And that means your photos can constantly feel fresh! So here are a couple of our favorite framing techniques.
The Rule of Thirds
If you just panicked thinking that this is the start of a math lesson…you can relax! We have the same irrational fears of fractional mathematics! No, the rule of thirds for photography is much more simple than Mrs. Hatfield’s 9th Grade math class. When we talk about the rule of thirds, we are simply talking about looking through your view finder and framing your subjects in either 1/3 of the frame vertically or 1/3 of the frame horizontally. We love this framing technique because it allows so much room for open space in a photo! Whether you leave the space in the frame for open sky or to show off the surroundings in nature, it really does a great job of putting the focus on the clients while showing off the amazing location you’re taking their photos in! Incorporating the rule of thirds into your composition techniques will allow you to provide a completely different look and feel to a photo without redirecting your clients into a new pose! It saves you time as a photographer and adds variety for your clients!
Layering
If the first thing you thought of when you saw that word was cake, we are right there with you! There’s something amazing about a great baker who knows how to make a layered cake. Imagine right now, biting into a soft, fluffy German chocolate cake with sweet cherry filling and a whipped chocolate buttercream. Bringing multiple layers into a cake adds so much dimension and flavor! Layering in photography will add the same type of dimension to your photos, the only bummer part is you can’t eat it! Layering involves using things already found in nature either in front or behind (or both!) of your clients to add dimension and depth. We love layering something in front of them, because at a lower aperture it creates beautiful bokeh in front and behind our clients. You can use trees, bushes, building, really anything to create that effect!
Layering with the Rule of Thirds
Ready to really get fancy?! Once you get a feel for the Rule of Thirds and Layering in your photos, take the next step to incorporating both into a photo!
These two techniques are sure to bring some fresh life to your photos! Pick one to incorporate into your next photo session and get the feel for it! We are firm believers in continual education. So don’t go to your next shoot feeling pressured to remember the rule of thirds and layering all at the same time! Pick your favorite and master it! Then, add the next one into your toolbox!
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