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!

Countdown to football

Football season is just around the corner and I'm not going to lie, I'm scared. I have never gone through a football season at the Athens Banner-Herald with only 3 photographers on staff. We lost our boss and an open position during layoffs in January. High School football alone is enough to keep us busy, but the juggernaut that is University of Georgia football is enough to make us crazy. We staff 3 photographers and a videographer at every home game and send 2 photographers to away games. When you also add high school games and 5 or so football related sportraits per week to our magazine and daily assignments... things are going to get ugly.

Last weekend I shot the annual Countdown to Kickoff event at the University of Georgia football practice fields. Everywhere I looked I saw and heard zealous fans literally counting down the minutes until the first kickoff at Sanford Stadium. I myself love football. There is little more exciting than working the sidelines just inches from the action, adrenaline pumping, as the game unfolds. So, I am scared of being overworked and burning out, but I'm counting on getting caught up in the excitement to carry me through.


Autographed helmets sit on a table during the annual Countdown to Kickoff event Saturday July 18, 2009, at the Woodruff Practice Fields.

Georgia football players sign a large decorate "G" for Wayne Parker of Jackson during the annual Countdown to Kickoff event Saturday July 18, 2009, at the Woodruff Practice Fields.

James Hilliard, 6, of Auburn waves to Georgia quarterback Joe Cox as he signs a football helmet for him during the annual Countdown to Kickoff event Saturday July 18, 2009, at the Woodruff Practice Fields.



Justin Johnson, 11, of Colbert, left, and Jack Holder, 12, of Atlanta battle it out during a blow-up jousting game at the annual Countdown to Kickoff event Saturday July 18, 2009, at the Woodruff Practice Fields.


Jacob Jones, 2, of Tifton poses for a picture with Georgia cheerleaders during the annual Countdown to Kickoff event Saturday July 18, 2009, at the Woodruff Practice Fields

Georgia tailback Caleb King, right, laughs while signing autographs during the annual Countdown to Kickoff event Saturday July 18, 2009, at the Woodruff Practice Fields.
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Tyler Courson, 3, of Hull climbs under a giant Bulldog statue during the annual Countdown to Kickoff event Saturday July 18, 2009, at the Woodruff Practice Fields.

surrounded by light

I've heard of photographers who think silhouettes are cliche, uninformative, or an easy way out. Then of course there are photographers like me who adore them. I think sometimes simplicity tells a story more clearly than all the details in the world. I've rarely set out to take a silhouette. When they present themselves they are pleasant surprises that take what would be a pretty standard shot to another level of beauty. 

Athens Academy kicker Mark Allen practices punting Wednesday December 12, 2007, at the Georgia Practice Fields.


Dr. Robert Harris, the Pastor of Friendship Christian Church, prays for rain in the sanctuary Wednesday October 17, 2007. The church offers an open sanctuary at lunchtime each Wednesday inviting people of all faiths to pray for rain.

Dan Murfin of Colbert, left, walks to his car after attending the Old Fashion Tent Revival Sunday morning October 7, 2007, at Winterville First Baptist Church.


Brett Bowman walks by his junior dragster to get it ready for racing at the Fast Fridays Amatuer racing night June 6, 2008, at the Atlanta Dragway in Commerce.


North Oconee High School senior Henry James puts some final touches on his classes' float before the homecoming parade Thursday November 1,2007, at North Oconee High School. This year is the school's first homecoming with returning seniors.


Lori Hartlein hoops with one of her original hula hoops at her Hula Hoop party at the Madison County Library in July, 2007.


Kenti-Anna Judson, 4, runs from the water after grandmother Pearlie Daniel, left of center, and mother Marquita Blasingame of Athens called their family to come eat dinner Wednesday afternoon September 3, 2008, at Sandy Creek Park.

Caden C., 5, plays with a toy plane at the feet of his grandfather Mikey Waters Saturday October 20, 2007, at the Athen-Ben Epps 100 Years in Flight Air Show.


Sisters Page and Claire Campbell of Hope For Agolden Summer sing A cappella in front of the stage at the Next To Last Fest Saturday December 12, 2007, in Bogart.

Georgia's Joshua Fields gets ready to bat in the Bulldogs' loss to No. Arizona Saturday February 23, 2008, at Foley Field.


North Oconee High School football players stand on the field before their homecoming game Friday November 2, 2007.