Frame within a Frame
A compositional technique that uses elements in the scene, Frame within Frame, creates a secondary frame around the main subject. It involves taking the shot through or inside another shape. For example, a window, arches, doorways, people or objects.
The framing helps to focus the viewer’s eye to the main subject
It creates layers in the photo: foreground, middle and background
It can provide context to the photo by including the surroundings
It can help make the photo more dynamic and add interest
Examples: Using people to frame the subject, placing the subjects inside a mirror and using an arch as a frame around the subject
Use a doorway or pocket of light to frame the subject
Place the subject inside an arch or any other shape that will create a complete or partial frame
Using the bicycle to create a frame around the Jetty lifeguard tower on South Beach
Puddles can create a natural frame around the subject’s reflection
Shooting between the legs requires timing, but it creates an interesting frame
Actual frames like the opening on Ocean Drive in South Beach are quite common
This is part of a small series on composition. See also Reflection Photography in South Beach, What's in the Foreground, and Finding Pockets of Light.
More framing shots from Cuba in the Caribbean gallery, and from Miami in the Miami gallery.