Thanks, Patti, for bringing us this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge. Filling the frame is such an important photographic concept. I would like to use a few images from last spring’s desert wildflower bloom to illustrate my take on filling the frame.
Sometimes you may find that just documenting a scene or an object falls flat and doesn’t really capture the essence of your subject, as in this image of a yucca plant in bloom.
Moving in closer may be one way to capture that essence.
Think about what is in your frame. Is it all necessary to express what you want to convey with the image?
What do you find most compelling about the object/scene? For me, it was the silky translucency of the pink petals and the way the color blended into the beautiful brown shade at the center of the flower. I was also intrigued by the complexity revealed in the heart of the bloom.
When photographing wildlife, we might quickly grab an “insurance” shot in our excitement at seeing the animal. The result is often less than memorable.
Filling the frame will often make a much more compelling image. However, we should get closer and fill the frame by using a longer focal length. As I mentioned in last week’s post, we need to respect the animal’s comfort zone. Our actions should never change an animal’s behavior.
Filling the frame does not necessarily mean moving in closer. It means being aware of every element in the composition. It means watching the edges of the photo and making sure everything included is there for a reason.
Filling the frame is a great rule of thumb, but as with most rules, the beauty of knowing the rules is knowing when it’s OK to break them. Think of your essential questions when composing the image. What are you trying to convey? What is essential to conveying it?
For instance, when I saw this Ajo Lily growing straight out of the rock I was struck by the barrenness of its surroundings. How tough and resilient a flower must be, to blossom straight out of a rock! Including the surrounding sandstone was essential to the meaning of this image. A close-up of the flower, although beautiful, would not convey those deeper meanings.
Most of the time, though, it’s a good thing to remember – for more exciting images, try filling the frame!
Great post, RR. You pair your images and text very well. Your instructions are great too! I’m glad you joined us!
This is a really good example of thinking before shooting and capturing what’s important in every case. Nicely done RR
Always a pleasure to read xx
Beautiful blossoms! I like the close up of the yucca flower.
Thanks!