Thinking about the Frame

By its nature, the photograph is a 2D representation of an original scene. A representation that has its’ own life and meaning. When making a photograph think about what you want to show. Use the frame to crop the original scene to eliminate distracting details and non-essential elements. This can be accomplished by moving in closer or changing the angle at which the photograph is shot.The frame can be used horizontally or vertically. Always consider which will be best for your subject

Alexander Rodchenko, portrait of mother, Olga 1924
Alexander Rodchenko, portrait of mother, Olga,1924, side view

How does the difference in framing change the impact on the viewer of these two portraits?

Framing: How the frame brings together the elements inside the rectangle juxtaposing them, creating relationships between them

At the time of the Louisville flood. Louisville, KY. 1937
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White, Louisville Flood,Louisville,KY. 1937 from the collecttion of the New Orleans Museum of Art

Types of shots: how much information is in the frame

  • a long shot
  • a medium shot
  • a close up
  • an extreme close up.

Angle of View:  describes the camera position in relationship to the subject. The angle of view may be:

  • a worm’s-eye view
  • a low-angle
  • eye-level
  • a high-angle
  • a bird’s-eye or aerial or overhead view
  • an oblique angle
Low Angle by Bernice Abbott 1936
Worms View by Andres Feininger 1962
Oblique Angle. by Rodchenko 1934
High Angle. by Edward Weston
Eye View. by Edward Weston
Birds Eye View. by George Steinmetz

Frame within a frame – use elements in the frame to enclose the main subject and draw attention to it. A frame within a frame can be a window or door or it can be items in the foreground such as branches.

Photographer: Steve McCurry 2004
Photographer Robert Frank 1955

Rule of Thirds – Instead of placing the main subject in the center of the frame, divide the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically and place the main subject at one of these intersections.

Fill the Frame –  (get closer) – do not leave empty areas that do not add to the composition and plan to crop in later.

Juxtaposition: Essentially is about the principle of comparison. The photographer puts two or more objects in the frame to accentuate their difference. Generally when are using juxtaposition, you are making a statement through the apparent contrast of elements in the photo.

Photographer: Gary Winogrand

Resources

Joel Meyerowitz on the frame

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Lab2a: Framing and angle of view