Natural Frame Articles
As the members of the Peer Mentor Program improve their photo-eye it can be educational to have some monthly peer mentor themes that specifically emphasize composition. Taking these photos and “voting” on these compositional themes should begin with thoughtful consideration of the chosen theme.
A Natural framed photograph occurs when the photographer creates a photograph within a photograph. A Natural Frame photo does not “require” an actual framing around all four sides of the photo nor does the “natural” part of the frame need to be created from nature. Architecture, tree branches, even a variety of underexposed pieces can create a natural frame for a photo. Natural frames are usually found in the foreground of a photo and they are effective if they lead the viewers eyes to the main focus of the photo. The “frame” does not need to be 4-sided but it is not simply a leading line.
Here is a good place to start the idea that Natural Framing is creating a photograph within a photograph. This article is Expert Photography and the title is “How to use Natural Frames for Better Photo Composition”
From Digital Photography School:
“Tips for using Natural Framing to Improve your Composition” is written by Anthony Epes and does a great job of explaining how to use this for composition: Natural framing is when you use an element within your image to frame the subject. This draws the eye into the photo and highlights the actual subject.” This article is a very good place to start.
“How to Use Framing for More Effective Composition” by Jeremy Schatz
From Photography Life:
“Framing Subjects with Natural Elements” is written by a photographer who does primarily weddings and portraits but Lola Elise has some very good suggestions on how to use nature and doorways, windows, arches, etc.
From SleekLens:
“Using Natural Framing to Guide the Viewers Eye” by Jennifer Berube has some interesting ideas and ways to evaluate your Natural Framing, “Done right, it will make the photograph much more interesting and invite different reactions from the viewers.”
Digital Photo Mentor:
“Creating Strong Photographic Composition Using Framing” by Darlene Hildebrandt has a number of ideas to consider including tips for using framing, geometric shapes, natural frames, and thinking outside the box.
Here is a good place to start the idea that Natural Framing is creating a photograph within a photograph. This article is Expert Photography and the title is “How to use Natural Frames for Better Photo Composition”
Since Tim won the May Shadow Challenge, he was the person to choose the Natural Framing theme and here are some good articles that he recommends:
From Digital Photography School:
“Tips for using Natural Framing to Improve your Composition” is written by Anthony Epes and does a great job of explaining how to use this for composition: Natural framing is when you use an element within your image to frame the subject. This draws the eye into the photo and highlights the actual subject.” This article is a very good place to start.
“How to Use Framing for More Effective Composition” by Jeremy Schatz
From Photography Life:
“Framing Subjects with Natural Elements” is written by a photographer who does primarily weddings and portraits but Lola Elise has some very good suggestions on how to use nature and doorways, windows, arches, etc.
From SleekLens:
“Using Natural Framing to Guide the Viewers Eye” by Jennifer Berube has some interesting ideas and ways to evaluate your Natural Framing, “Done right, it will make the photograph much more interesting and invite different reactions from the viewers.”
Digital Photo Mentor:
“Creating Strong Photographic Composition Using Framing” by Darlene Hildebrandt has a number of ideas to consider including tips for using framing, geometric shapes, natural frames, and thinking outside the box.