“Way Back When” in Technique

It is time for a little "way back when machine". You know, that mechanism in our brains that takes us back to a memorable moment when something significant happened in our lives. Reaching back can be beneficial to those who have learned something from their past that can be revived in the present for the benefit of others.

Dave Seeram at PhotographyBB is running an excellent series for beginners on his website, PhotographyBB. In it he has described methods that every photographic novice should know. As he has written, I have been taken back in time about 25 years to that time when I began learning the basics of photography in High School.

One of the things I learned back then was a technique that helped me begin framing in my mind the photograph I was going to make. Eventually, I no longer needed to use the technique, because my mind and eyes became accustomed to seeing how the photograph could be framed. Here is what I was instructed to do and I hope it assists you in framing well your photographic work.

First, you will need to find a 35 mm slide holder. It should be one that does not have a slide in it. A blank one or you can remove the film from one that did not turn out.

Second, take the empty slide holder with you the next time you go out to shoot. When you get on scene determine your photographic subject. Take a good hard look at, around, and about what you have decided to shoot. This should be your normal course of action anyway.

Third, look at your subject from a variety of angles. Consider shooting the subject; low, high, portrait or landscape, etc, checking angles, light, and shadow.

Fourth, once you have decided on how you are going to shoot your subject, take that empty 35 mm slide holder out your pocket. Look through it at the shots you have decided up on. Move the slide forward and backward, side to side, and up and down. The idea is to use the slide to frame your subject up front before you ever put your camera to your eye.

Some may be asking, "Why is this necessary? Can’t I just frame everything up in post edit?" You could, but how does that help you improve as photographer? It definitely helps you improve as an editor. But, what about improving your skills as a photographer and reaching that point where there is no post editing required?

Teach yourself to frame your photograph up front by using this technique and eventually your mind will automatically take framing into account. It can be a time saver. It may also be the first step in a string of steps assisting you in moving away from any dependencies you may have on the post editing process.

Make post editing a choice in your photographic arsenal instead of a necessity in producing an end product. Along with this, comes an enormous amount of gratification and satisfaction. There are these, I guarantee, knowing that your photographic skill alone produced an image that people are looking at.

If you are not sure about what makes a well framed photo, I recommend you begin reading Dave Seeram’s tutorial series in the basics. We will also have the occasional article here on PhotoCapM.

Until next time…

CbyM