The Magic of “Fill The Frame” or fill the frame

Has it ever happened to you to look at your photograph and not know exactly what you did wrong? It’s well exposed, it’s perfectly in focus and sharp, you’ve followed the rules of composition and put all your heart into it, and yet it doesn’t work. There is something that does not quite fit since the image does not have the impact that it should. The thing is that no matter how many times you give it, you don’t quite understand it. Well, today I am going to talk to you about a small trick, almost magical, to give that touch that your image lacks. It is known as “fill the frame”, the term in English, and it is something as simple as fill the frame.

The results are incredibly powerful. Although I can understand your reluctance, you just have to keep reading to find out how to improve your photos with just this basic and effective trick. And if you want to delve into photographic composition and learn all the tips and tricks for some of the most impressive photographs, I recommend this mega guide that we have prepared for you.

What is “Fill the frame” or fill the frame?

As its name says, it is about filling the entire frame with the subject. It is approaching almost uncomfortable to the subject you are photographing. It is a way of revealing details and subtleties that would not otherwise be possible, as well as removing distracting elements. In this way, all the attention of your viewer will inevitably be focused on the image, and not only on the image, but on the heart of it. Like an arrow that hits directly on the target. Right in the center.

Including spaces, elements or subjects that have nothing to do with the main motif or with what you want to tell about it only makes it less interesting and attractive.

fill the frame

How?

The “fill the frame” trick is in come closer, a lot, as much as you can, a little more, without fear. Leave the fear at home, or inside your team’s backpack, tightly closed so that nothing escapes. Because you have to have it well away both to get close and to cut. We have the false belief that the subject or object must appear whole to give it its complete form and we take steps back until we encompass it completely, with all its edges perfectly defined.

I understand your concern, we have all had it, but you can get rid of that concern, because unless you have to photograph a hieroglyph or similar where the viewer cannot lose any detail of the message to decipher it, in all other cases the brain of any person you admire your photography will be able to complete the scene. Or to imagine it, something that adds even more interest.

Sometimes there is nothing more damaging to your image than keeping your distance. I repeat, come closer. And cut to the chase.

without fear of cutting
unnecessary borders

Do you see the difference between these two flowers? Isn’t that awesome? Something so simple and with such spectacular results… that’s where the magic lies!

How to approach? You can approach it in the traditional way, that is, taking small steps until you reach the right distance; with a longer focal length, if it is not possible for you to get physically close; or even with a macro, if your object is so small that you have to get even closer (as in the case of the red flowers in the example).

Exists another option to achieve the “fill the frame”, I know that I should tell you about it because you have to know it (in fact, it is more than likely that it has already come to your mind…). Well, I’ll tell you if you promise me Do not abuse of it, because in this case the results are not so genuine or magical. Is about trimsr. Yes, it can be an option, and it is. But the spirit of photography is different, it is to take the photo in the camera and not on the computer. That should be your goal.

You have to be very close to capture a moment like this:

Very close

Let’s see an example of trimming. The first image is as it was taken, filling the frame. (Warning, it was made with a mobile phone and at night, so pay attention to the composition and not to the technical details 😉 )

Original

Now you will see another image taken without filling the frame, as it was taken, and then the same cropped photo.

Original
cropped

As subtle as the differences may be, I find that filling the frame on the fly works much better than on the computer. You can check it yourself. I just created this example for you, but if you do your own test you will be even more convinced.

At short distances the difference is small, but the further away you are from the subject, the more it will be noticeable as a crop and the less chance you will have of achieving exactly the photo you want. For example, when changing the shooting angle. If you are very close it is very easy, if you are not convinced at first you can change it; if you are very far away, the distance you will have to travel to do so will be much greater 😉

When to fill the frame?

So should you always fill the frame with your subject? Well, this is a fairly general rule, but like everything, it is not so decisive. There are cases and cases.

There are times when what surrounds the subject is important, adds information, brings essence to the photograph. In that case, if the context is as relevant as the reason, include it. Let’s look at an example:

When context matters
More information, less impact

In the first case, it makes a lot of sense to include the landscape, for various reasons. However, in the second image, there is nothing interesting in the place, we are not surprised by the train at a station, the perspective does not add anything new, there is very little beauty and a lot of distracting elements. It would have been much more interesting to make a detail shot of the contrast of yellow against blue with some part of the train or the windows. Something like this:

filling the frame

Do not you think that this last image is much more attractive? Are you seeing the difference between filling the frame and not filling it? And between cropping or zooming in? 😉

It is also very interesting to play with negative space. In this case, the space is full of meaning, even if it is empty. That’s why it’s empty doesn’t bother 😉 and yet it is capable of imprinting strong sensations on the image. The opposite point to fill the frame. In photography the extremes are cool ;P

negative space

More examples of the effect of filling the frame

Nothing like seeing a few example images to finally convince you of the convenience of filling the frame and the resulting magic:

Your turn

Now it’s your turn. You don’t even have to leave the house if you don’t want to. Go get your camera right now and run some tests. Stop worrying about the technical details for a moment, focus on the composition, on filling the frame. Shoot various subjects filling the frame and not filling it. Try making cutouts on the computer. There is nothing better than checking the results for yourself to finally convince yourself. Trust me, once you’ve done it once, you won’t be able to stop.

If you liked today’s article, don’t let greed take over you, share it 😉 Thank you and until next time!