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Framing in Urban Environments | by Hilary Palmer

November 7, 2022

Framing in Urban Environments

Framing in Urban Environments - TODS

What is framing?

I love to use framing in urban environments. In my work, it is my favourite compositional tool. Placing a subject in a frame within the overall image will assign it more visual weight and prominence. This guides the viewer’s eye to be drawn right to the subject. To our lazy brains that like to be told where to focus their attention, you’re literally saying, “hey, look here, I’ve drawn a box around the important bit for you!” Framing can be bold, or more subtle and abstract making it a hugely versatile compositional tool which provides layers of interest, intimacy, context and depth to an image. Urban environments offer almost limitless opportunities for using framing to strengthen your images. I’m sure you’ll already recognise some, but I hope this blog helps you think out of the box (groan!), and leave you as obsessed with spotting frames everywhere, as I am!

Child sketching in doorway

Windows and Doors

When I mentioned framing in urban environments, I imagine your mind first thought of windows and doors. The most literal of frames, and they are all over our towns and cities! We can use them in our compositions in a number of ways; for instance, try placing a subject looking out of, or into, a window, standing in a doorway, moving through the space or interacting with it, or you could shoot through a window to the inside or outside beyond.

Framing in Urban Environments - bodleian

Abstract and Implied Framing

Frames don’t have to be solid with 4 joined up sides. There are many ways to approach framing. A subject only needs to be surrounded on 2 or 3 sides for our brains to interpret this as a frame. By playing with perspective, we can line up isolated objects in the image and give the illusion of a solid frame. Or alternatively, compose elements so that they are positioned separately but surround a subject. This is implied framing. Our brains, which seek out patterns and shapes will automatically make associations between the elements and join up these gaps in our mind. For even more abstract framing, be guided by the light. In urban settings, buildings often create pockets of light which can be used to frame a subject. Consider how you can frame subjects amongst the shadows created by the environment.

Framing inside a shop

Outdoors

We can frame our subjects amongst many other elements we find in urban spaces. How about tunnels or walkways, or stairwells or bridges? Also handrails, gates or fences? Sit these elements around your subject. Playgrounds with all their shapes, lines and enclosed spaces also offer a multitude of opportunities. Make use of walls! They have patterns, shapes, foliage or art over them which can be great fun to compose with. Look along the street and in between buildings. We can use the lines created by the edges of walls and signs to form a frame. Don’t forget to look up! You can play with the angle of tall buildings to frame a subject in the sky.

Framing in Urban Environments - boy with stuffed crocodile

Indoors

There is also a huge amount to explore inside our urban buildings, such as libraries, shops, museums, churches and cafés. In shops and libraries try using the rows to frame your subject or shoot through gaps in shelves. In cafés and restaurants, frame a subject next to a window. Or use the décor on the walls to create a literal or implied frame. Museums are also great places to use framing as the exhibits are often in large display cabinets, closed off into sections.

Urban Transport

There are also many framing opportunities on transport networks. Car parks are full of lines and compartmentalised spaces, which are perfect for framing. Similarly on public transport, look for potential at train and bus stations. When you are traveling, you could shoot through windows on trains, buses and taxis, or even use the space between carriages to frame a person on the next platform.

Natural Framing

How about seeking out a natural frame in an urban environment? Head to green spaces in cities, to find opportunities for adding natural framing into your work. By shooting through foliage from trees, bushes and flowers, you can add depth and create a softer frame that highlights the subject, while contrasting with the hard edges ever present in our towns and cities.

I hope that these ideas have inspired you to think more creatively about opportunities for incorporating framing into your images in urban spaces. These are just a few, the possibilities really are limitless. I can’t wait to see what you spot!

For more inspiration, follow Hilary on Instagram!

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