Framing the Picture

Framing the Picture

One of the key considerations when taking a picture is, aside from light, how to frame the picture. What should be in and what should be left out? Of course, there are technical considerations, i.e., the focal length of available lenses, but mostly, the decision is driven by the photographer's intent. AND, many photographers will immediately choose to capture the entire object. That is, they will move away from the scene, until the entire object and maybe part of the surroundings show up in the finder.

To take a different kind of picture, think differently.

Focus on the key element--the essence, or on the unusual. The photo on the left illustrates this. Instead of covering the entire car, the image captures a few key areas, the big and unusual headlights, the radiator, the Jaguar hood ornament, and lots of bright red paint. That's it. (The picture looks much more attractive when enlarged a few times--but this one illustrates the issue). Keep this in mind. The intent is not to "take a picture of a Jaguar SS 100", but to capture the essence of a classic sports car. Find this essence and capture it on film!