Frame creatively

Matty Graham demonstrates how you can supercharge your scenes by creativel

- Matty Graham

THE MISSION

To locate and make use of natural frames to add more interest to your photos

Time needed One hour

Skill level Basic

Kit needed • Canon EOS DSLR or EOS mirrorless • Kit lens

One of the common pitfalls for many photographers is to line up a subject in front of the lens and forget everything else in the scene.

The problem with this approach is that while centrally placed subjects offer interest, the compromise is that the rest of the frame can look empty and lack any real value, which is what stops a good image from becoming a truly brilliant one. This is where a technique called creative framing can come in very handy.

Essentially, you can use anything in your surroundings to create a natural border around the frame. Of course, what you use to make your border depends on your environment, but trees, fences, railings and doorways all work perfectly. Bear in mind if your 'borders' are brighter or darker so they complement rather than compete with your main subject. Using creative framing takes a little time, but once you start, you'll find potential borders wherever you look. The main trick with this technique is to be fluid with your composition - keep moving around to find framing that works, and don't be afraid to try high and low angles. It's all about experimentation, which is why it's better to set the tripod to one side, because fiddling about with the leg locks and the tripod head only slows you down.

Also, unlike many other techniques, no extra kit like filters, lighting or (as mentioned) tripods are needed all that is essential to capture an expertly and creatively framed image is your camera, lens and an artistic eye.