Learning the technical and creative sides of photography can be tricky, but over the years, I’ve found that the best way to advance photography skills is with intentional practice. Today, I’m talking all about framing your subjects, because it is a great composition technique that can bring a little something extra to your photos. Below are a few ways I like to use frames in photos.

1. One of the easiest places to find frames is at the playground, so if this is something you’ve never tried framing before, head to your nearest park. When photographing around the playground, I’m constantly searching for shapes in the ladders, swings, slides, and tunnels. My kids are often very active while at the park, so I first find a shape and then patiently wait for

them to fill the shape, so that I’m able to capture a genuine moment while having them framed in the photo.  

2. Another great location for finding frames is within your home. Architectural elements such as doorways, hallway arches, windows, or mirrors are all great ways to use framing and draw attention to the subject in a photo.

By including the frame of a mirror or doorway, you may also create a feeling of “peeking” in on the subjects, which can make the moment feel more intimate.

Keep in mind that the main focus doesn’t need to be a face. In this image, the circle shaped door of our dryer frames my youngest tightly gripping his blankie after rescuing it from the wash.

3. While away from your home, you’ll start noticing that there are architectural and natural frames you can use everywhere. Tunnels, enclosed walkways, or even trees are all great ways of creatively framing your subject. Additionally, this will intentionally bring in the surrounding environment, which may add to the story captured by the image.

4. Framing with less defined elements also works great at directing the eye to the main focus of the image. You can creatively frame the subject of your photo with visual elements like shadows or even people.

When photographing families, I like to highlight the children by framing them with their parents. In this photo, having both parents facing towards their daughter helps draw your eye to her sweet face, as well as showcase the love her parents have for her.

And in this image, notice how the mom and dad’s heads create a loose frame for their sweet little babies.

I hope this has given you a few new ideas for photographing creatively. Framing is an easy and fun way to improve your photographs and add to your everyday storytelling.

Donya is a family photographer living north of Houston, TX with her husband and two sweet boys. Donya enjoys finding joy in the everyday moments o

f life, and creating memories that document the love and happiness of familyness.

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