Week Two: Framing
It’s week two, and this week we are talking about framing!
Framing in photography is when there are elements within a photo that form a frame around the main subject. This draws the viewer’s eye to the main food in the photo.
Some Examples…
In the photo below, the plate in the centre frames the chocolate swirl bun. The napkin underneath of the plate also acts as a frame, to lead the viewer’s eye to the centre object.
This is another photo of the chocolate swirl buns and it also uses the framing technique. In this picture, I am holding a basket of desserts and my body in the background acts as the frame. Both of my arms in the image are framing techniques as well. Think of a frame around a window, my arms are similar to the frame in this situation. Instead of getting distracted by whatever could be behind me, the viewer’s eye goes straight to the desserts that I’m holding.
**Note how my hand is holding a spoon drizzling icing onto the treats, this is an example of a leading line from last week’s lesson!
Framing doesn’t have to be only plates, napkins, and people! It can also be used by flowers in the background, cooling racks, ingredients, cookie pans, and bowls. Framing is essentially when any object takes up excess space, drawing the viewer’s eye to the main subject. Take a look at the selection of images below.
Framing is a technique that comes very naturally, it is not meant to look forced in the photo. As you are setting up your photography scene, you will most likely find that any props you place act as a natural frame around the subject. But if this doesn’t come naturally to you yet, have a look at some of the photos above and try them out with your own foods and props. Even if it is a minimalist photo, you still want to have a bowl or plate under the main subject. Take a look at the photo of blueberries in ice above.
Similarly to leading lines, the framing technique is extremely important to make sure that the viewer’s eye is directed to the main subject.
Check back next week to learn about week three’s composition technique! If you liked reading about framing, leave a comment below!