Compositional tip: Natural framing

Did you ever ponder why most of the paintings and photographs hanging on walls are mounted inside a frame? Yes, it usually looks better, but why? It has to do with closure. With setting a limit. I will discuss this some more further down, but what’s a “natural” frame anyway?

Natural framing is the concept of finding something in your surroundings, natural or man-made (yes, we still call it “natural framing”), that can be used as a frame for your “real” subject. There are many things that can be used as natural frames. Common choices are taking a photo out of a cave-like opening, through bridges and windows. But the possibilities are limitless if you are creative enough. So why use natural frames?

Enhances depth and leads the eye

Using natural framing enhances the feeling of depth in the photo, especially so if the frame contains visible details (not just a silhouette). The frame also works as a guide, leading the viewers eyes, creating a movement inward into the picture. This effect is most prominent if the shape of the frame is similar to the shape of the subject.

Keeping the attention

The frames also have the effect of keeping the viewer’s attention inside the photo. This is an important part in making the viewer’s eyes wander around inside the photo, rather than wandering out of it.

Creates order

Another important feature of natural frames is that they assist in creating order in an image, a sense that there is an intention behind the composition. The human brain is actually obsessed with order. If we look at a chaotic scene, we immediately try and create some kind of order.

Incomplete frames

The frame must not necessarily be complete to work as a frame. Actually; more often than not, they aren’t complete. A tree trunk on each side can be effective. The arch of a bridge, the legs of a person, a low-hanging branch are all possible and effective natural frames that does not surround the entire image. When looking at such an image, our mind completes the frame for us.

Natural frames are everywhere!

As soon as you start focusing on and looking for natural frames, you will find lots of them. The trick is finding interesting subjects that are framed by them!

Do you perhaps have tips for natural framing? Share them with us in the comments, as well as your photos with natural framing!