Creating a narrative through photography involves making deliberate decisions about composition, lighting, and framing. One underappreciated but powerful tool for telling visual stories is central framing. It’s a simple yet effective technique that places the subject right in the middle of the frame, making them the immediate focal point. Used correctly, it can transform your images by adding impact, clarity, and balance.
Coming to you from Sam Bugas, this compelling video explains why central framing deserves more attention than it usually gets. Bugas shares how using this approach allowed him to bring a new level of direction and purpose to his work. He noticed that his photos were losing focus and weren’t conveying the intended narrative. So, he stripped away unnecessary elements and began framing his subjects centrally, making them the undeniable center of attention. This shift brought out the power and emotion he had been looking for and made his photos far more engaging.
One key takeaway from Bugas’ video is that central framing makes it easier to guide your audience’s gaze. With a centered subject, you don’t have to rely on more complex techniques like leading lines or the rule of thirds to direct the viewer’s eye. The simplicity of central framing allows for immediate recognition of what’s important in the scene. This makes it especially useful in settings where you want the viewer to feel a strong connection with the subject.
Another reason Bugas recommends central framing is for its ability to clarify the environment. When the subject is placed dead center, there’s an equal amount of space on each side, giving the setting more balance and symmetry. This helps to establish a clear sense of place, adding depth and context to your image. This technique is widely used in cinematography to immerse the viewer in a scene and provide visual cues about the location and mood of the narrative.
Bugas also emphasizes how central framing can convey a sense of power. By positioning a subject in the center of the frame, you’re telling the viewer that this is the focal point, the most critical element of the image. This technique can make the subject appear strong, dominant, or even isolated, depending on how it’s used. But central framing isn’t limited to making things look powerful; it can also create minimalistic compositions that maintain interest without overwhelming the viewer. This is especially valuable when shooting portraits or environmental scenes where simplicity is key.
If you’re looking to give your photos a cleaner, more purposeful look, consider experimenting with central framing. It can simplify complex compositions and help your subjects stand out. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bugas.
