When I say framing photographs I am not referring to a photo in a rectangular shaped piece of wood or metal. (If you want more info on that kind of framing head to my friend Rocky Vertone’s shop in Jackson Hole, WY by clicking here.) I am talking about mentally composing an image or “framing” the image before you ever pick up your camera.
Framing (or mental composition) is so important in making great photographs but I never hear it talked about. In this post I’ll discuss two different situations where I use this effective technique.
Situation #1: When I arrive on location of a photo shoot I try to survey the “lay of the land”. Meaning I make myself slow down and take notice of my surroundings and what’s around me. This technique is especially helpful with Landscape Photography and Portraiture work but equally as important in my Concert Photography.
I try to look at everything through my photographer’s eye before ever looking through the lens. I think about what I see and ask – How will this look hanging in my living room? How will this look hanging in a gallery? Will this make a great photograph?
When things start to take shape and I can see the photo I make sure I have a clear picture in my mind. I then take to the camera and set out to recreate the photograph. A tripod is helpful in transferring the mental image to the camera. (Believe me.)
With Concert Photography I take a slightly different approach. When I set out to photograph a band I am unfamiliar with I turn to video. YouTube is a great resource for watching live music performances.
Here’s a perfect example: I photographed Mickey Avalon in November 2009. I knew of Mickey Avalon and knew one or two songs but nothing more than that. I turned to YouTube and watched this performance video of Mickey Avalon. (“Jane Fonda” live music video) I mentally composed some images and ultimately shot these live photos at the concert. (Mickey Avalon 1 & Mickey Avalon 2)
If it’s someone I have photographed before I think about the stage lights, how the artists move on stage and what shots have been successful in the past.
Are you following me so far?
Situation #2: The technique of framing photographs can also be a huge help to jump start the creative process. This process is very powerful when you can mentally compose the photo and then seek the photograph. Some of my favorite photographs have been composed in my head before I got to the location or even knew where the location was. This process helped me numerous time but most notably with my self-portrait in Papago Park. (link to photo – link to FOCUS episode #2) I am 100% an admitted daydreamer – this is one of the few times in life it has paid off.
I presume master painters and sculptors have a little something in mind before they begin their process - Why not do the same with photography? After all the very basic definition of photography is “drawing with light.” (wikipedia source) Give yourself a chance of making a great photo by pre-visualizing the photograph.
Does anyone else use these practices? What other techniques do you use to frame or mentally compose your photographs? Add your two cents, leave a comment.
Article by Greg Taylor
Founder of WordPress Development Company, Marketing Press. Vegetarian. Hopelessly addicted to music. Blogger, Collaborator, Phoenix Suns fan. NJ Native living in AZ
Greg has contributed 160 articles to this site.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Your self-portrait link didn’t work. Good comments. I appreciate the checking out video thing first.,..
Just fixed the link – Thx.
i do use these techniques. i almost never take a photo now unless i can picture what i want the finished product to be before i pick up the camera.
i like the way you articulated it here. very much so.