Framing is a technique used in photography to emphasize a subject or call attention to a specific aspect of a composition. In this assignment, you will explore the use of frames in photography.
Readings and Resources
- TBA
Instructions
For this assignment, you will explore framing as a compositional technique in photography. To complete the exercise, consider the following guidelines:
- Identify several scenes with elements that effectively frame an appealing main subject;
- Shoot at least 3-5 shots of each scene, experimenting with your compositions;
- Crop and and process your photographs using Adobe PhotoShop, or an image manipulation program of your choice;
- From the scenes you have photographed, select 3-5 overall examples that illustrate effective framing;
- Save these examples for your final portfolio;
- Read and examine the evaluation criteria listed in the rubric below and self-evaluate your selections;
- Select ONE of your photographs for evaluation.
- Follow all guidelines for proper submission of your photograph and portfolio.
Evaluation
Rating Criteria
- 4 = Excellent
- 3 = Above Average
- 2 = Average
- 1 = Below Average
- 0 = Unacceptable (improper assignment, total lack of effort, not submitted, or plagiarized)
General Assignment
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| All assignment instructions are meticulously followed. Assignment deadlines were met. Photograph was submitted and labeled properly. | All assignment instructions are followed. Assignment deadlines were met. Photograph was submitted and labeled properly. | Most assignment instructions are followed. Assignment deadlines were met. May have minor problems photograph submission and/or labeling. | Assignment instructions not followed. Assignment deadlines may not have been met. May have minor problems photograph submission and/or labeling. |
Photographic Composition
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Overall composition is excellent and exceeds expectations. Composition exemplifies framing in photographic composition. The frame is properly positioned, drawing the viewer’s attention to an appealing point of interest. Photograph is effectively cropped. | Overall composition meets expectations. Composition shows a credible grasp of framing in photographic composition. The frame is properly positioned to draw the viewer’s attention to an appealing point of interest. Photograph is effectively cropped. Composition may have a minor problem with the above criteria. | Overall composition somewhat meets expectations. Composition shows a basic grasp of framing in photographic composition. Elements within the photograph are properly positioned to draw the viewer’s attention to an appealing point of interest. Photograph is effectively cropped. Composition may have several minor problems with the above criteria. | Overall composition does not meet expectations. Composition shows a lack of understanding of framing in photographic composition. Elements within the photograph are not properly positioned and do not draw the viewer’s attention to an appealing point of interest. Photograph may not be effectively cropped. Composition has several major problematic areas. |
Creativity and Critical Perspective
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Scene selection is thoughtful and shows a high level of creativity. The scene is unique and aesthetically pleasing, effectively engaging the viewer, eliciting an emotional response. | Scene selection is thoughtful and shows an above average level of creativity. The scene is aesthetically pleasing, effectively engaging the viewer, eliciting an emotional response. | Scene selection shows an average amount of creativity and may exhibit a low level of effort. The scene is common and may be cliche. Overall, the photograph somewhat engages the viewer, eliciting a mild emotional response. | Scene selection shows a below average level of creativity and lack of effort. The scene is not unique and aesthetically pleasing, and does not effectively engage the viewer, eliciting no emotional response. |
Technical Evaluation
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Technical quality is excellent. Photograph is properly focused. All aspects of the composition are properly exposed (not too light or dark). No problems with harsh contrast, red-eye, dust spots, or extreme back and side lighting. | Technical quality is above average. Photograph is properly focused. All aspects of the composition are properly exposed (not too light or dark). No problems with harsh contrast, red-eye, dust spots, or extreme back and side lighting. May have minor problem with one of the criteria listed above. | Technical quality is average. Photograph is properly focused. All aspects of the composition are properly exposed (not too light or dark). No problems with harsh contrast, red-eye, dust spots, or extreme back and side lighting. May have several minor problems with criteria listed above. | Technical quality is below average. Photograph may have several problems in the following areas: focus, exposure (light or dark), contrast, red-eye, dust spots, or extreme back and side lighting. |
Overall Work Quality and Effort
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Work quality and effort exceeds expectations. | Work quality and effort meets expectations. | Work quality and effort somewhat meets expectations. | Work quality and effort does not meet expectations. |
