Yesterday, I was feeling a bit stuck in a rut with my photography, so I decided to try something new: natural framing. It’s all about using elements in the scene to frame your subject, drawing the viewer’s eye right where you want it. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, let me tell you about my little adventure.
The Hunt Begins
First, I grabbed my camera, a trusty old DSLR, and headed out to a local park. I figured a park would have plenty of natural elements I could use. The sun was shining, birds were singing – perfect conditions, I thought. I started wandering around, looking for inspiration. I saw some cool trees, a few benches, even a quirky little bridge.
Experimenting with Frames
My first attempt involved using tree branches. I found a nice, low-hanging branch and tried to position my subject (a very patient squirrel) within the frame it created. It was trickier than I expected! The squirrel wouldn’t stay put, and the light kept changing. I took a bunch of shots, hoping at least one would work. I will show you my the most interesting shot.
The squirrel was framed by branches, but the effect looks very organic.
- ISO:100
- f-stop:f/5.6
- exposure time:1/200 sec
Next, I moved on to the bridge. I thought the archway could make a cool frame. This time, I decided to photograph a person – a friend who kindly agreed to be my model. I had her stand at the far end of the bridge, and I shot from the other side, using the arch to frame her. This worked a bit better, mainly because my friend was much more cooperative than the squirrel! Here is one example, check it out!
- ISO:100
- f-stop:f/4
- exposure time:1/320 sec
The Lightbulb Moment
After a couple of hours of experimenting, I started to get the hang of it. The key, I realized, was to be patient and really look at the scene. It’s not just about finding a frame; it’s about finding a frame that adds something to the photo. It’s about composition, light, and, of course, a bit of luck.
Wrapping Up
By the time I packed up, I was pretty happy with the results. I didn’t get a masterpiece, but I learned a lot. And that’s what really matters, right? Natural framing is definitely something I’ll keep practicing. It’s a fun way to add a new dimension to your photos, and it forces you to think creatively about your surroundings. So, if you’re looking for a new photography challenge, give it a shot! You might surprise yourself with what you can create.
