PHOTO-101: Framing

PHOTO-101 is my attempt to reach out to the amateurs, hobbyists, or point-and-shoot toting folks who want to learn a couple tricks of the trade. 

First up is framing. Framing is a simple trick that can definitely come in handy. Frames can create environment, draw attention, add information, or just give your image a nice  jolt.

Making a mundane shot more interesting:

A worker in a dump truck drives by a pipe opening as work continues on the Oconee County Community Complex Wednesday July 18, 2007.

Framing the truck in a pipe opening made this dime-a-dozen construction photo much more appealing.

The Sacred Harp Singers led by Gwendolynne Boone practice April 4, 2008 in Ila, Ga. 
These singers were practicing in a small space with little visual interest. I decided to step out of the situation and look in and thats were I saw an opportunity for framing. 

Windows and doorways are excellent quick and easy framing devices.

Assistant Pre-K teacher Karen Allen holds goddaughter Jada Johnson, 16 months old, during a tour of the newly renovated Winterville Elementary School Thursday July 23, 2009, in Winterville.

Shanon Hays, the TRR Cobb House Program Coordinator, primps a dress worn by Mary Ann (Lamar) Cobb, the wife of Howell Cobb, at a state dinner in 1860 during a tour of the the 19th century Federal-style mansion Wednesday June 24, 2009, in Athens. 

John Otwell (Leon Tolchinsky), left, and Shelley Marck (Sophia Zubritsky) act out a scene during rehearsal for the Town & Gown's production of Neil Simon's "Fools" Tuesday June 30, 2009, at the Athens Community Theater.

The foliage frame:

A 19th century home in Oglethorpe County is being restored by Lamar Wood who rented there 17 years earlier as a University of Georgia art student.
Here I tried to use the leaves from a tree to create a slight frame and foreground to make a building mug more interesting.

Framing with objects in use by the subject:

Justin Martin, a first year veterinary medicine student, teaches Kaitlyn Powers, 6, of Dallas, GA how to rope a calf Friday April 6, 2007, at the College of Veterinary Medicine Open House.
Every once in a while your subject will frame themselves and you just have to be at the right angle to capture it.

Framing  that references the subject:

Manager Ricky Harrison does glass work Wednesday October 8, 2008, in the University of Georgia glassblowing shop at the Chemistry Building on campus.
This was shot through a glass object similar to the one being created by the subject.

Jessica Sterling looks ahead to the instructor during a spin class at Georgia Cycle Sport Tuesday May 5, 2007.

This frame helps give more information about what the subject is doing.

Media Archivist Margie Compton inspects film in the University of Georgia media department of the Main Library Thursday October 16, 2008, on campus.
I shot this media archivist through a movie reel like the one she is examining.

There are plenty of opportunities for framing if you pause and take a look around your shooting environment. Hope this was helpful with ideas!