The Importance of Composition and Framing in Photography and Video

Using visual imagery is undeniably important for businesses, with 54% of consumers wishing to see more video content from a brand they support.

Businesses need to ensure that the social media content they produce is not only informative and engaging but is visually good enough to ensure their target audience does not just skip past the content on their newsfeeds.

Do you struggle with capturing eye-catching photography and video? Or maybe, you want to find out more about how to improve what you are already doing?

Smartphone technology has developed, becoming even more accessible, giving many the potential to capture great multimedia content. However, unless you have a basic knowledge of the foundations of photography, namely composition and framing, even the best camera in the world will have its limits.

In this blog we will explore what ‘composition’ and ‘framing’ is in relation to imagery and video, defining the terms and explaining how to do it well.

What is Composition and Framing in Photography and Videography?

Composition is how the constituents of an image interact, and framing is a method of composing an image, in which focus is drawn to a subject, i.e., a person or object, by isolating them from the rest of the image, often using natural elements already existing in the image.

Why is it Important to Compose an Image Correctly?

Composing an image ‘correctly’ may be a matter of opinion; however, there are generally some rules of composition that correctly articulate meaning to viewers.

In this example, the pot on the left side, the platform underneath, the brick wall, and the floor are natural elements that help ‘frame’ the notebook in the centre. The notebook is similarly framed also by the shapes and lines present which help lead the eye to the notebook, the subject of the image.

Framing helps to communicate a narrative, bringing context to a fleeting moment. Being able to suggest meaning is important, as well as ultimately making sure your images or videos are aesthetically pleasing.

How else can we ‘Frame’ Images?

Altering depth of field is another way to compose and frame an image, as a blurred background can ‘frame’ the main subject in the foreground, just through shifting focus.

This example shows how the physical focus of the camera is on the centre of the notebook, while the background elements such as the cat, blanket, and pillows, are all out of focus – the notebook is clearly in focus, the centre, but the other elements combine to create an interesting image.

There are also other ways of composing images, such as using the Rule of Thirds.

What is the ‘Rule of Thirds’?

The Rule of Thirds breaks an image down into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, and it is then used by positioning elements along the lines. This is represented by a grid-like structure, which is an option on some phones and cameras so you can view the gridlines and align your images.

Taken on an iPhone, these two images show two examples of how the Rule of Thirds can be used:

This first example shows the face of the cat directly in the centre, in the rectangle created by the lines.

The second example shows the Yellow Spider Media logo photographed roughly where the lines of the grid intersect.

These are just two ways in which the rule of thirds can be used to draw focus to elements alongside and inside of the grid lines.

Are There Other Ways to Frame Images?

There are many ways to compose an image – and none of them are necessarily ‘incorrect’, however, these are some ideas that may help you improve the photographs or videos you are creating or wishing to create.

This additional example shows how leading lines such as diagonal lines and different angles can be used to draw focus to the subject.

Composition does not have to be difficult – but it is important to remember the general ideas in photography, ensuring your visual content will be taken seriously by your target audience.

By Rozz Cottrell