How can you learn to frame?

dakid

dakid

Suspended / Banned
Messages
561
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm a very recent DSLR owner (not quite two weeks), but I'm not a complete amateur at photography. I can take photos that are (most of the time!) in focus, and I have a fair grasp and understanding of ISOs, Apertures, Shutter speeds, depths of field.

What I seem entirely unable to do is to take the kind of photos that make people go "wow, what a great photo", and I mean the sort of people who take photos themselves as well, so who know what they're talking about.

I actually know the reason (or at least the main one), but I don't know how to fix it .... it's because I cannot seem to frame pictures. It's about all I can do to get the main subject of the frame into the picture in a good position (bird moving into frame, rule of thirds, etc), but as for seeing and understanding the context of the picture, the background elements, the whole framing in general ... I'm lost!

So ......... can anyone help? I know that a lot of this is simply going to be taking photos for the next 5/10 years until I improve, but can anyone recommend anything (books, videos, courses, magazines) that would help me pick this kind of thing up faster? I'd prefer not to rely on happy accident for the next decade or so ;)
 
Hello mate, experience.
Thats really it. You could buy a hundred books and never understand it.
Maybe find your favourite type of photography and look in the relevant sections on the forum to get ideas or inspiration.
And above all else, if you like the photo, nothing else matters.
Rules are there to be broken.
Sometimes its not all about composition though, its the little things like making the eyes pop in portraiture, or a massive tonal range or forboding sky in a landscape that sets the picture apart. IMO
Best of luck.
Dean:)
 
It's not always easy to get it right. With experience it can get easier.

Some of the best advice comes from the photo magazines available from you local newsagent/ supermarket. Look for the ones with" how to take better" flashes on the covers.

However if you have a picture that you like but the framing isn't quiet right you can always use your photo editing package to crop and adjust. After all that's what they are for. Sometimes a small crop is all that is needed , other times a lot more. From this you'll learn how best to frame in the first place.

Also don't get hung up on the standard formats. If a a square crop makes the picture better, use it. Alternatively if a long thin one suites then don't be afraid to use that

You could also post pictures on this site under the photo critique heading. You should get lots of friendly advice.

Most of all though enjoy your photography
 
Hi Mate,

Firstly, I here what Dino is saying, and to an extent he is right, however, as with anything, it is a good idea to learn and master the basics before breaking the rules.

A few key points, everything looks more comfortable looking into negative space, be it a person, animal, or even a vehicle. So always have more space to the side it is looking, or moving.

Rule of thirds, I know everyone bangs on about it, but it works. So bear this in mind when taking shots, have all key elements neatly late out on the thirds grid, and you wont go wrong. Keep your horizons straight.

When taking a picture of a landscape, or similar, and your composing an image, try and imagine the viewer (of your photograph) going on a jouirny, and ask yourself 'would it be interesting, or comfortable. So, if it includes a path, make your eye journey up that path and see if it works.

Hope that helps!

Ben
 
Another trick to bear in mind is to reverse your thinking - instead of what needs to be in frame and where think about what you shouldn't be there. By taking away all the elements you don't want you can work towards what you do want. A bit like making a sculpture :thumbs:
 
A good book to get you off in the right direction is 'Composition' by David Prakel from the Basics Photography series, published by AVA Publishing.

It goes over the basic rules all the way through to 'when to break the rules' stuff. There are some fantasic images in the book too, which turn the theory into reality. Its worth it just for that IMO. (just my opinion though)

Different people learn in different ways but this book has really helped me. ;)
 
Read the books but the best thing to do is to take pics lots and lots of pics, look at pics that you like and then get out there and shoot bearing what you have seen in mind and work towards replicating them not to publish but as a way of learning. It takes a while (I really hope not 10 years mind) a lot of time, patience and hard work and it doesn't happen overnight there are people on here I'm sure (including me) who are still looking for an image where thay can truly say YES that is it...so you are among friends make no mistake. Most of all don't get too uptight about it just enjoy your photography every day you will learn and want to try and understand something new it is a great adventure.

Bill
 
Old advice from film days, make yourself a cardboard frame (or frames) and look through it. Seriously you can learn a lot just by playing with something like that, you'll be able to see how an image will look before you take the shot.
 
All good advice. Thank you everyone.

I'll try picking up that composition book, but the consensus does seem to be (as expected, I guess) that there's no substitute for experience!

Oh, and Canon Bob, you told me exactly what I was hoping people would on that thread, so I promise I am really grateful for your criticisms! :)

Out of curiosity, how long would people say they were taking photos before starting to get those fantastic shots?
 
35 years and still waiting...
 
While you're still learning (or looking for your own style) you can shoot wider shots ie leave a large area around what your idealy trying to get.

When you get home open your shot in PS etc then set the crop tool to the aspect ratio of your camera. This lets you experiment at home in different framing styles / rule of thirds / dead space.

After a while (days/weeks/years ;)) you'll be able to use that knowledge to help you frame your shot "live"
 
35 years ... lol ... ok; time for me to be uncharacteristically patient, methinks :D
 
dakid said:
Out of curiosity, how long would people say they were taking photos before starting to get those fantastic shots?
Click to expand...

2 years and still living in hope :lol:,one thing i i do think though is what we actually like is not nesccesaraliy what we might be good at. ie i love landscape shots but personally think mine are crap,although i quite like some of my sports shots, although again others might think there still crap :lol: i guess what i am saying is we all can find our own niche if that makes sense :thinking:
 
Steep said:
Old advice from film days, make yourself a cardboard frame (or frames) and look through it. Seriously you can learn a lot just by playing with something like that, you'll be able to see how an image will look before you take the shot.
Click to expand...

that was going to be my tip. :)
 
dakid said:
Out of curiosity, how long would people say they were taking photos before starting to get those fantastic shots?
Click to expand...

I have been photographing for about 10years and learn something new every day!

Critique helps a lot though, as sometimes you think you have a belter....trouble is, no-one else does! :lol:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top