We all know about putting pictures into frames. The act of framing makes them more visually pleasing to hang and display. Well, that same idea is also a composition technique that can make your photos more aesthetically pleasing and meaningful.

Framing refers to using elements in your scene to create a visual “frame” within your photo. Framing can add more context and storytelling to an image, add layers and dimension to your photograph, and draw attention and focus to your main subject.

Some great places to look for framing opportunities include doorways, pulled back curtains, tree branches or foliage, arches, tunnels, and windows.

Recently, I’ve been in a very active dream state and have noticed that I dream a lot about doorways. I love the symbolism of a doorway, serving as a passageway between two places, a point of transition, a threshold. I believe in the powerful messaging that can sometimes be delivered from our subconscious dream world, so I decided to look up what doors can symbolize in dreams. I found that some interpretations include hope, opportunity, new beginnings, transformation, secrecy, or mystery.

It is not lost on my that one of my favorite composition techniques in photography, FRAMING, also frequently involves the use of doorways. I wanted to share this photo tip with you so that you can also harness the symbolism and creativity by using framing as a composition technique. Framing is an easy way to add meaning and visual interest to your photography. I love capturing a beautiful maternity moment in a doorway, marking the huge life transition a Mama is about to go through and all the hope imbued in that moment. I also love using trees and foliage to add beautiful texture and shape, drawing attention and intimacy to my subject. Here are several examples of how I use framing in my photography.

I encourage you to look around and practice using framing to add more meaning and beauty to your photographs. Happy clicking, friends!

More good stuff…

If you are interested in learning about the essential tools I always carry in my camera bag to elevate my photography and artwork, you can check that out here.

Or join Iris Hu and I as we share all about art and business at our small and intimate our Finding HeART Workshop in Portland, Oregon September 1st – 4th, 2023