Framing and the Fibonacci spiral are two powerful techniques that can help you create stunning compositions in photography. In this article, you will learn what they are, how they work, and how to apply them to your own images.
Framing is a compositional technique that involves using elements in the scene to create a border or a shape around your main subject. This can draw the viewer's attention and focus to the subject, as well as create a sense of depth, context, and contrast. Framing can be done with natural or artificial elements, such as trees, windows, doors, arches, bridges, or even other people. Framing can also be used to create a mood, a story, or a message in your image.
This framing effect can be stacked to create even more depth as layers of different frames can lead the viewer "deeper" into the photograph and create more middle ground. The "frame" doesn't have to be limited to physical objects. Lighting, sharply contrasting hues, tones/values can all be used to visually frame a subject as well.
See this part about framing is a good overview, but ultimately we can also use various hues to determine what the eye is drawn to. After all, if everyone else is in dull, drab clothing (black suits) but there's one person in a bright red outfit in the scene who's the focus; the eye will naturally be drawn to that which is different. This is something that painters are already well aware of; but we as photographers can sometimes ignore (not always) but sometimes. This is why it's important to think about colour (if you're going to be keeping it) when framing an image; and how they're distributed; instead of simply luminance values and leading lines.
I think framing here is, "composition" but more narrowly expressed as framing for photography. The physical frame of a photograph is different and has little to do with composition. The physical frame Picture frame) can add elements to help guide the viewer into the picture, not compete with it. It can have elements of color, depth and pattern to at most echoing parts of the art image and ideally helping to enhance it's presentation. A bad picture framing design competes or distracts from the art. The picture frame also helps protect the art from becoming damaged by the almost inevitable hard knocks over time.
I generally create depth of field or framing by pulling back from the subject to see in what context it sits. Also with a little image processing, lower the colour saturation of the background and punch up the saturation of the subject.
The strongest framing makes the viewer aware not just of what they see but what they do not see, hence a strong framing object/element is partially in shot and partially out of the shot. Giving the impression that the scenes extends beyond what we see subconsciously creates depth, context and greater intrigue.
The Fibonacci spiral is a geometric pattern that is based on the Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the previous two. The Fibonacci spiral starts with a square and then adds another square of the same size to form a rectangle. Then, it adds another square whose side is the length of the longer side of the rectangle, and so on. The result is a spiral that curves inward and gets smaller and smaller. The Fibonacci spiral is also known as the golden spiral, because it approximates the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion that is considered to be aesthetically pleasing.
The Fibonacci spiral can be used as a guide to place your main subject and other elements in your image in a way that creates harmony, balance, and interest. The idea is to align your subject with the curve of the spiral, or place it near the center of the spiral, where the eye naturally gravitates. The spiral can also help you create a sense of movement, direction, and flow in your image, as it leads the eye from one point to another. The Fibonacci spiral can be found in nature, art, and architecture, and many photographers use it as a source of inspiration and creativity.
When it comes to creating compositions using the Fibonacci spiral, it's all about playing with simple visual aesthetics. This technique takes advantage of how our eyes naturally move from the top left corner to the bottom right corner and then back to the left side of a photo. It's like a natural flow, similar to the way we read and write. By using this technique, you can grab people's attention, both in individual photos and on platforms like Instagram. For example, you can try positioning the legs or arms slightly turned to the right or focus on the face and eyes. These choices help create a more pleasing composition and make your photos stand out.
There are several ways to find the Fibonacci spiral in your scene or in your camera. One way is to use your imagination and visualize the spiral over your scene, and then adjust your position, angle, or zoom to align it with your subject and other elements. Another way is to use a grid overlay on your camera or your editing software that shows the Fibonacci spiral. Many cameras and apps have this feature, and you can use it to compose your image before or after you take it. A third way is to use objects or shapes that resemble the Fibonacci spiral, such as shells, flowers, leaves, snails, or spiraling staircases.
Framing and the Fibonacci spiral can be used together to create even more compelling compositions in photography. You can use framing to create a border or a shape that follows the curve of the spiral, or that leads the eye to the center of the spiral. You can also use framing to emphasize or contrast your subject with the background, or to create a sense of depth or perspective. Framing and the Fibonacci spiral can work well with any type of photography, such as landscape, portrait, macro, or abstract. The key is to experiment and have fun with these techniques, and see how they can enhance your vision and style.
To give you some ideas and inspiration, here are some examples of photos that use framing and the Fibonacci spiral together. For instance, a portrait of a woman framed by a window that follows the curve of the spiral creates an atmosphere of intimacy and mystery. Similarly, a landscape of a mountain framed by a bridge that leads the eye to the center of the spiral produces a feeling of depth and scale. Furthermore, a macro of a flower framed by its petals in a spiral shape evokes harmony and beauty. Finally, an abstract of a spiral staircase framed by its railing in the shape of a spiral brings about a sense of movement and dynamism.
The Fibonacci spiral can be a great starting point. There are so many ways one can draw the viewers attention. Framing a subject within another frame like a window or a door. Contrast from light to dark will have the viewer go directly to lightest part of the image. Leading lines such as standing in a tunnel or on the street and all lines bring you to your subject. It all comes down to practice, training your eye to see these things and continually experimenting. It can take years but the progress will be visible over time