If you find your photos flat, two-dimensional, maybe lacking impact and interest—there's one technique I use that can change that. It will guarantee to get you much more interesting and pleasing results. And that's sub-framing: creating a frame within a frame. Why is this so good? Well, it creates depth and interest. For those of you who are frustrated with your travel photography and feel it's boring and same-ol'-same-ol', this technique will take photos from tourist snaps to strong images.
I use sub-framing all the time, like here at Charles Bridge in Prague. Everyone shoots this famous bridge (left), so I decided to step way back and use the arch as a frame for something more interesting (right). Not only did I add another visual layer, I added another layer to the story, showing the ornate detailing that so many people fail to notice.
With sub-framing, you're using elements in your scene to create a secondary frame inside your photograph, like the archway, doorway, window, branches of a tree, people, or even shadows.
This technique helps guide the viewer's eye to exactly where you want it to go.
It adds structure and intention, it can provide context to your scene, and maybe most importantly—it adds depth.
In this video I talk about why sub-framing works so well and how it makes an image more immersive. I also touch upon mistakes that you can make, and share a bunch of example photos illustrating different ways I use the frame-within-a-frame technique. If you want to push your travel and landscape work further, Photographing the World: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing dives deep into composition on location.
Another reason to use this technique is that it slows you down and makes you think about what you're photographing. You start to think more creatively, and your photos become much better. Who doesn't want that?
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