Framing for Dummies

Framing can be tricky. I'm not talking about cropping. Framing and cropping are two different animals. Related, for sure, but different as well... leastwise, in my mind they are. (BTW, the "Dummies" in my title mostly refers to me.)

Just so we're all singing from the same hymn book here, framing, for me, refers to the way I compose an image in my viewfinder. Cropping, again for me, refers to how I crop an image in post. Maybe that's how you use the terms, maybe not. Regardless. For the purpose of this update, we're gonna use my definitions of framing and cropping. (Being the grand, high, exalted, mystic ruler of a blog does have a few perks... very few, unfortunately.)

Framing certainly effects how I crop. That's where I often get myself into trouble! I get into trouble in a number of ways, i.e., I sometimes frame in various ways that don't allow me to crop in other ways. In other words, I neglect options for framing that end up inhibiting the way I can later crop the image. Especially, since I almost always want to maintain an aspect ratio that makes sense in terms of the length and width of that image's sides.

This all might sound like Photography 101 stuff but, whether it is or isn't, I often neglect these basic concepts and I moved-on from Photo 101 a long time ago! I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in too-often neglecting the basics, whether amongst pros or hobbyists, or experienced or not-so-experienced shooters.

When I'm shooting, I might see a cool angle or a great pose or expression and I frame that angle/pose/expression in a way that seems appropriate. Well, at the time it seemed appropriate. Then, I get home, look at my images, pick one or two to post and, too often, it turns out I framed the pic in a way that doesn't allow me to crop in some other way. I HATE when that happens! I have a permanent bruise on my forehead from all the times I've slapped myself there. (Think, "I could'a had a V-8!") Obviously, I can't frame things in every way possible. But giving myself a few extra options will go a long way towards keeping my forehead bruise-free.

Take the image above. It's Lexi, from yesterday's shoot. I kinda liked the pose but I framed her too tight. When I processed the image, I couldn't crop it exactly how I'd like to crop it. Like a dummy, I framed it in a way that limited my cropping options. You might think the cropping works. You might think it sucks. I don't think either. I just think it could be better, much better, "compositionally" better.

Here's what I could'a/should'a done: When shooting and framing, I could'a/should'a had her hold the pose and snap off a few extras with different framing: Looser, wider, tighter, Dutch-angled, different angles of attacks, that sort of stuff.

But I'm an impatient sort. And I like moving forward. So, as is my way, I pushed on and moved on and didn't capture that pose in a couple of different ways. (As listed above.) Certainly, I could have done so if I took the time to think about what I'm currently taking the time to write about. Yep. You guessed it: If I thought about Framing For Dummies!

So do yourself a favor. When you're shooting, think about how you're framing and how it might, later on, effect your cropping. And remember that, sometimes, there are other considerations to think about: Like what the image might be used for. For example, is it going to be used as part of an ad? If so, are you leaving enough negative space for the elements a graphic designer will later be wanting to use with your photo? Lots to think about when shooting pretty girls! Beyond, of course, how pretty and, uhh... enticing they might be.

If you've been a PGS reader for a while, you know I'm a proponent of getting things right in the camera. But sometimes, especially when it comes to framing, composing an image limited ways - ways that you might think you're going to be happy with, creatively happy, that is -- might also end up biting you on the ass! Leave yourself as many creative options as time will allow. Other than the time constraints, most of us are shooting digital. It ain't like I'm suggesting burning lots of pricey film or increasing the tab for developing all that pricey film.

As mentioned, the pretty girl at the top is Lexi from yesterday's shoot. I shot Lexi in my friend's studio. Lexi hails from Dallas and is only here, in L.A., for a week or so. Lexi did her own makeup. (She's also an MUA.) She's somewhat of a semi-newbie, modeling-wise, but she was very user-friendly and an absolute peach to work with. In fact, we're gonna work together again next time she blows into town!