5.2 Framing and perspective

Composition techniques in photojournalism shape how viewers interpret images. Framing, perspective, and advanced methods like the rule of thirds or leading lines guide the eye and convey meaning. These tools help photographers tell stories visually.

Mastering composition allows photojournalists to create impactful images that resonate with viewers. By manipulating framing, depth, and visual elements, photographers can emphasize key aspects of a scene and craft compelling visual narratives.

Composition Techniques

Impact of framing and perspective

Top images from around the web for Impact of framing and perspective

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  The Journey of Award-Winning Hong Kong Citizen Photojournalist Rayman · Global Voices View original

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  Forced Perspective Photography: Incredible Examples Of Optical Illusions In Photos - [ arch+art+me ] View original

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  Frontiers | Emotional Responses to Visual Art and Commercial Stimuli: Implications for ... View original

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  The Journey of Award-Winning Hong Kong Citizen Photojournalist Rayman · Global Voices View original

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  Forced Perspective Photography: Incredible Examples Of Optical Illusions In Photos - [ arch+art+me ] View original

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Top images from around the web for Impact of framing and perspective

• 

  The Journey of Award-Winning Hong Kong Citizen Photojournalist Rayman · Global Voices View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Forced Perspective Photography: Incredible Examples Of Optical Illusions In Photos - [ arch+art+me ] View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Emotional Responses to Visual Art and Commercial Stimuli: Implications for ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Journey of Award-Winning Hong Kong Citizen Photojournalist Rayman · Global Voices View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Forced Perspective Photography: Incredible Examples Of Optical Illusions In Photos - [ arch+art+me ] View original

  Is this image relevant?

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• Framing defines image boundaries influences included elements affects viewer interpretation
• Perspective alters spatial relationships changes perceived object scale impacts emotional response
• Composition elements affected balance symmetry leading lines rule of thirds
• Message conveyance emphasizes or de-emphasizes elements creates intimacy or distance alters narrative (documentary vs. artistic)

Techniques for varied framing

• Tight framing focuses on specific details creates intimacy eliminates distractions (portrait close-ups)
• Wide shots capture entire scenes provide context allow for negative space (landscape photography)
• Unconventional angles bird's eye view worm's eye view Dutch angle (tilted frame)
• Frame within a frame uses natural elements to create secondary frame draws attention to main subject (archways, windows)
• Partial framing deliberately cuts off parts of subject creates intrigue or dynamic composition (cropped portraits)

Advanced Techniques

Perspective for visual depth

• Foreground, middle ground, and background layers elements creates depth uses selective focus (landscape photography)
• Linear perspective uses converging lines creates depth illusion utilizes vanishing points (architectural photography)
• Forced perspective manipulates spatial relationships creates optical illusions (tourist photos "holding up" Leaning Tower of Pisa)
• Aerial perspective uses atmospheric haze indicates distance changes color and contrast (misty mountain scenes)
• Overlapping elements places objects in front of each other suggests depth (crowded street scenes)
• Size relationships uses relative object sizes indicates distance (comparing near and far objects)

Guiding viewer's eye through composition

• Leading lines direct attention create eye paths (roads, rivers)
• Rule of thirds places key elements at intersections or along grid lines
• Golden ratio uses $1:1.618$ proportion for balanced compositions
• Selective focus highlights specific areas with shallow depth of field (portrait photography)
• Negative space balances empty areas with subjects creates emphasis (minimalist photography)
• Contrast draws attention through differences in color tone or shape
• Scale juxtaposes objects of different sizes for impact (person next to skyscraper)
• Framing for storytelling chooses angles and compositions supporting narrative (photojournalism)
• Dynamic tension creates visual interest through opposing elements or directions (sports photography)