Framing photos

This week’s challenge is hosted by Amy.

As I have read and watch tons of photography related materials, I have observed that framing is rather a common technique yet it never fails to amaze me whenever a framed composition is done so cleverly. It is done as if anyone can see it, yet it is not so obvious after all. How to breakdown that way of thinking, that creativity workflow, is what I am pondering. My logical mind says it might be a checklist one needs to tick whenever composing, however, I still tend to miss even the opportuniy is already right infront of me.

Moreover, framing reminded me of Sam Abell. One of the photographers I admire because of his minimalist style and clean compositions. His technique makes composition seems arranged yet “inevitable”, as how he described it. Similarly, I think framing provides focus for the viewer to receive the message from the photographer.

Stopping my thoughts regarding framing for now and sharing what I have made these past several months.

I made this photo to remind me of a simple yet lovely morning walk with my wife. Taken in one of our winter trips.

Playing around with a 135mm lens to work around with people crowding sakura trees. Perhaps, certain situations can bring out one’s creativity. As I am living in Japan, cherry blossom trees are packed with people in spring, and it is near impossible to take a clean shot. Thus, an intimate landscape might be better, I thought.

This time around I remember I got lucky to notice a symmetry and contrast. Trees and buildings. Bright and dim. Add a gondola in the middle without touching the trees for framing. Not to mention, timing the gondolas is a bit of wait and see.

Initially, I wanted to take photo of these two ladies while they are chatting as the smiles on their faces are very charming. But I got shy, so I ended up walking passed them and quickly compose before they have completely cross the small bridge. Not bad alternative composition for a shy photographer, isn’t it?

A tree between trees. There is a one shot before this and after reviewing that, I saw the framed tree peeking. I re-angled myself so I can frame the farther tree. Upon writing this, thought to myself that I would like to try to make this photo again. Perhaps there is a composition where all the trees can be framed with each other.

That’s it for me on this week’s challenge. Let me know what you think about framing and your photography adventures too.

I want to give my appreciation to the host of this week’s challenge. Seeing the aqueduct frames gave me another very useful image library in my head.

Time to read posts from the community and looking forward to the next challenge.

Because I love cats.