We have two opportunities to frame an image to help communicate an idea. First, and most important, is when we look into our viewfinder to make the picture itself. If we are not happy with the result, we can sometimes strengthen our photographs by cropping them, which gives us a second chance to use the boundaries of our pictures as a tool for expression. When I frame my travel images in my LCD viewfinder, I constantly watch the edges of my pictures, making sure that what is out should be out and what is in should be in. The frame functions as an editor – including or rejecting information according to our intentions. But framing images is more than just a matter of in or out. I also use it to suggest movement, imply the presence of content outside of the picture, and offer a sense of scale, intimacy, fragmentation, or depth. I can sometimes even abstract my subject with it.
