Oh so framed

Here are some examples of frame within a frame

The arch echos the curved shapes inside

Columns frame the trees in the background

A mirror lets me take a photo of myself

A frame within a frame

Now that we are aware of the edges of the view finder, which are literally the frame, we can explore placing a frame within your frame.
The use of a shape to frame your subject is like the echo in a tunnel, it gives something back.  It can be a window, a mirror or a doorway. Anything that creates a shape will do, so think out side the box or in this case frame.

Being framed

We all have the tendency to see something of interest and just put it smack in the middle of the picture. That is okay, but then you need to go further. Move beyond the initial interest to a space of exploration. Try various compositions to see which one works best. That is the difference between taking a image and creating one.

Here is example:

First image with the rose in the center

This composition explores the lines of the branches in contrast to the light value and texture of the rose

Notice the horizon line in the background

To frame or not to frame

Painters have a canvas, photographers have the view finders frame. The viewfinder's rectangular shape is our canvas and we should put thought into every aspect within this rectangle. The arrangement of all the different elements, from the placement of the subject to what appears along the edges, is what composing is all about. A well composed photograph is like a great piece of music, it sings.

Take the time to frame each one of your images, be aware of the edges including only what you want and nothing of what you do not want. Give your Photoshop crop tool a vacation - compose in camera.

Choice

In photography as well as in life we get to choose.

We get to choose what we include and what we do not inside the frame.

A camera frames the world in which we see, it becomes our frame of vision. The choice of subject matter, what we choose to include and the subjects placement within the frame is what makes each photographers vision unique.

What do you choose?