1st in Landscape, Jim Stein
A clearing storm at White Sands National Park
Evening Light, White Sands National Park
A quick trip to southern New Mexico would not have been complete without visiting this magical place. I arrived on the dunes right after a heavy thunderstorm. It was dark with very little light but I held out hope that I would be able to get some photos in before nighttime. Luckily the clouds lifted, which provided a neat atmosphere. I could not have asked for better conditions.
In photography, interesting compositions can transform an ordinary scene into a work of art. One compositional technique that adds depth, context, and visual intrigue to your photographs is “frame within a frame.” By incorporating natural or man-made elements around your subject, you create a secondary frame that draws attention to the main focal point, making the photograph more captivating and engaging. In this article, we will explore various ways photographers can use this technique to elevate their photography. Whether you’re shooting in nature or amidst architectural wonders, these tips will help you unleash your creativity and craft visually stunning images.
All of the photographs in the article were provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with their permission.
Take this technique to the next level by seeking multiple layers of framing. This creates a multi-dimensional effect, adding depth and complexity to the image. Composing with multiple frames requires attention to detail, but the results can be truly breathtaking. See more examples in the slideshow at the top of this page.
Urban settings provide a plethora of opportunities for using doors, gates, and elevators as frames. These elements not only create visually appealing compositions but also symbolize transitions and new beginnings. For instance, photograph a couple embracing behind an open gate, symbolizing the journey they are about to embark on together. See another example in the slideshow at the top of this page.
Nature offers an abundance of opportunities for using this technique. Seek out natural elements such as trees, foliage, and rock formations that can serve as a frame around your subject. By incorporating nature’s beauty, you add a touch of serenity and romance to your compositions.
In the image below, notice how the lake perfectly frames the adventurous couple. See more examples in the slideshow at the top of this page.
Architectural structures provide a perfect canvas for finding frames. Look for archways, windows, artwork, fixtures and other elements that can serve as frames for your subjects. Position the couple in a way that they are framed by these elements, highlighting their connection and adding a sense of grandeur to the shot. Experiment with different angles to find the most compelling composition. See more examples in the slideshow at the top of this page.
This framing technique complements and enhances other compositional techniques. Consider combining it with the rule of thirds, leading lines, or symmetry to create visually powerful images. This approach of composition stacking adds balance and visual interest to your photographs.
Incorporating mirrors and reflections into your concepts can create captivating compositions that add a unique dimension to your photographs. When seeking mirrors as frames, look for decorative mirrors on walls or handheld mirrors that can frame the couple or the subject of your portrait. Position the mirror strategically so that it not only reflects the subject but also surrounds them within the frame.
Arches are beautiful architectural elements that lend themselves perfectly to this technique. Arches have a way of guiding the viewer’s eye towards the main subject, making them an ideal element to incorporate in your compositions. They add a sense of depth and structure, creating visually pleasing images that leave a lasting impact. See another example in the slideshow.
While this framing technique is often associated with posed portraits, it can also be effectively utilized in photojournalism. Capturing candid and authentic moments is a hallmark of photojournalism, and incorporating frames in these moments can add an extra layer of storytelling and visual interest.
This in wedding photojournalism goes beyond aesthetics. It helps to guide the viewer’s focus, making the subject of the photograph stand out amidst the dynamic and often busy wedding environment. By thoughtfully incorporating frames in your candid shots, you create compelling narratives that tell the story of the couple’s special day. See more examples in the slideshow.
Don’t limit yourself to conventional frames. Explore unconventional elements that can be used for framing. This might include reflections in water, silhouettes, or even other people in the background. Unleash your creativity and experiment with different elements to discover unique and captivating compositions. Find more examples in the slideshow.
The frame within a frame technique is a valuable addition to every photographer’s toolkit, particularly in wedding and portrait photography. By incorporating natural or architectural frames, you can elevate your images, add depth, and guide the viewer’s focus to the main subject. Whether you’re shooting in nature, amidst urban landscapes, or in the studio, this technique offers endless creative possibilities.
Remember to keep experimenting, push the boundaries of your creativity, and use this compositional technique in combination with others to craft stunning and memorable photographs. As you continue to refine your skills, the frame within a frame technique will become an integral part of your artistic vision, enabling you to create images that leave a lasting impression on your audience. Happy shooting!
Residing on the pristine waters of Lake Eildon, about a two-hour drive outside of Melbourne in Australia, this architectural marvel challenges tradition with its seamless blend of form and function. Designed by Jolson, the Halcyon is not just a modern houseboat, but an enviable floating dwelling that feels unconfined. Halcyon leverages Jolson’s combined architectural experience and local familiarity to create a design that draws inspiration from dynamic watercraft, like ships and speedboats, and infuses a sense of motion into the structure.
The name “Halcyon” not only signifies a happy and peaceful period of the past, but also the mythical bird believed to calm winds and waves. Just like its name, the Halcyon houseboat delivers an idyllic and serene escape from the hustle of daily life.
One of Halcyon’s primary design goals was to establish a harmonious connection between the interior and the breathtaking surroundings. The shared living areas on the ground floor offer uninterrupted views of the water and landscape through the perimeter of windows. The living room opens out to a covered outdoor room offering additional seating and dining options.
The unique window design allows the sides of the houseboat to slide open to form an outdoor living room surrounded by the water.
Beneath the staircase, a built-in cabinet hides a TV while operating as a bar for entertainment.
An open staircase placed in front of the windows connects Halcyon’s three floors while allowing natural light to permeate inside.
The middle floor houses four bedroom suites that are strategically separated from the boat’s decks and passageways for privacy and tranquility with elevated views of the lake.
The two main bedrooms, located at each end, boast circular mirrors that bounce light and the surrounding views, fully immersing the guests in the landscape.
Attention to detail is evident in the materials and furnishings on board the Halcyon houseboat. The rugged texture of sawn-cut timber floorboards extends into the furnishings, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor decor. The thoughtfully curated color palette gives nod to the natural surroundings, particularly the gradient tones on the shore as the water recedes down the bank.
The partially covered top floor is a large multifunctional living space without walls, offering breathtaking 360-degree views. This roof space is a haven for relaxation on the sun lounges, daybeds, and wood-fired hot tub, while providing plenty of room for dining and entertaining at the linear bar complete with kitchen and bar amenities, and a circular banquette for eating.
Photography by Lucas Allen.
What’s it like exploring and photographing 4,000 vintage automobiles at night in a forest? We explored rare rusty vehicles with trees growing through the hood, vines, mist and more.
Tim Little and I photographed there one December evening, just hours after a torrential downpour. Here’s how the weirdness and adventure in the foggy trees went down.
Old Car City USA is located in White, Georgia, not far from Atlanta. It’s the world’s largest known classic car graveyard. Imagine a beautiful forest with vines and other vegetation of the Deep South, intertwined with the thousands of automobiles, trucks, vans, buses, and even an ice cream truck. There are 34 acres of this in rural Georgia, about an hour north of Atlanta. The same family has owned Old Car City since 1931, when it began as a general store.
34 acres of trees and collectible rusty vehicles is a lot to explore. But it seems like five times that size when enshrouded in the inky veil of night!
In the farthest reaches of the forest are clusters of beautiful, decaying 1930s vehicles. I wanted to photograph that first. So many beautiful cars. I began by setting my tripod down on the damp December forest floor. I used a rugged Ants on a Melon RGB Critter for light painting the rusted automobiles.
Moving on, I attempted to find some 1940s DeSotos and Clippers, the latter made by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. I had passed them on the way in. No problem. I would just walk back the same way.
Wherever that was.
After a while, I realized that I had passed some cars before. It was difficult to tell in the dark. More rusty cars, more trees.
That’s OK. I knew there was a road on one side. I would follow the sound and know where I was.
Except that there were no longer any cars in the distance. I walked further. The mooing of cows from far away echoed off the trees. I walked around some trails, pretty sure I was going in the correct direction, only to come across the same group of cars again.
I called Tim on the two-way radio. “I’m walking in circles!”
He wasn’t far away, but in this place, you could be only several hundred feet away and never realize it.
I had set up my camera and tripod to take a photo of one of the vintage grilles of these amazing automobiles. I was still in a state of enchantment. Trees intertwining with 1940s automobiles, growing through hoods and rust, the amazing hood ornaments, twisting vines, and strange, mysterious, foggy surroundings — it was magical.
I wanted to scoot around to the back and backlight one of the cars. I carefully stepped around some of the roots, vines and branches. However, I shook some of the vines. KHRISSHHHHHHHH! The leaves and branches above trembled. This immediately brought down a cascade of shivering cold water. This poured onto my head and neck and ran down my back.
“Yeoooowwwww, that’s COLD!”
The fog grew thicker, wrapping around the trees and cars. Ordinarily, night photographers might not want this. It would block the stars. But we were in a forest. And we had dew heaters to keep condensation off the lens.
But more than that, we embraced the fog.
I mostly photograph in the Southwestern desert. There’s rarely any fog there. But I quickly discovered that we could backlight the car and light the very air around us. This created a greater sense of mystery.
When Tim and I caught up with each other again, we peered at each other’s LCD screens.
“That looks amazing!”
Being able to light up the air was an added bonus I never expected. I still saw the night sky. It was still there. But the fog hugging the trees and the lake was so special.
Time zoomed past. We had been tromping through the forested car graveyard for hours. For me, it had been a blur of rusty automobiles, trucks, ice cream trucks, buses, motel signs, and old buildings. But it was time to go.
We met the owner by the gate.
“How did it go?”
“I barely scratched the surface,” I replied. “Can I move here for a year?” He laughed. He did live there.
What a dream it would be to photograph here, night after night after night. Lakeside, forest, open meadows, open sky, forests with vines, and so many vintage and unusual vehicles.
Tim and I are holding a three-day night photography workshop here. We can all at least photograph there for three nights, if not a year.
The Old Car City USA night photography workshop will include one day and three nights (with a fourth night add-on at a location photographing abandoned school buses). It will be from Oct. 25-28, 2023. We will be staying just 10 minutes away at a nice hotel.
And we’ve figured out a way to make sure no one gets lost. Actually, several ways.
For a variety of reasons, this will be the only time we ever offer this night photography workshop. And to the best of our knowledge, no other workshop has granted this much access and lessons ever. If this sounds enticing for you, I would encourage you to find out more about the Old Car City night photography workshop here.
Where’s Waldo? Well, he certainly didn’t get lost in the forest during our night photography workshop!
BALTIMORE — The Bromo Arts District of Downtown Baltimore is hosting its last Bromo Art Walk of the year next month, organizers announced.
In between visiting galleries, artist studios, and pop-up markets in the arts district, attendees of the self-guided art stroll can shop with local vendors of all kinds and participate in hands-on activities.
Attendees will also have access to a variety of special promotions and discounts from eateries like Cajou Creamery, Cuples Tea House, Vegan Juiceology, Maiwand Grill and the vendors of Lexington Market, to name a few.
Among over a dozen performances and galleries participating are Ballet After Dark, the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, NomuNomu and Studio Q.
The walk happens Thursday, August 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Bromo Arts District.
Learn more about the event and register here. Registration is free, but required to get event updates and access to special discounts.
And don’t forget about the after party at M&T Bank Exchange, a new venue, with music by DJ duo GRL PWR. The party is free, but visitors will need to present their registration.
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In today’s digital age, striking visuals are pivotal in carving a distinct space in the competitive hospitality market. Orchestrating this transformative symphony at Alluvion Media is the virtuoso himself, Maxwell Alexander. His unmatched skills in advertising and hospitality photography have solidified Alluvion Media’s reputation as the premier choice for Airbnb and STR hosts in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region.
Illuminating the World of Hospitality Photography: An Insight into Maxwell Alexander, Creative Director of Alluvion Media – Presented by Alluvion – Real Estate Innovation Company
Maxwell Alexander’s credentials are a remarkable amalgamation of varied disciplines that harmonize to create an unparalleled leader in visual arts. His academic prowess, embodied in an MA from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and a BFA from the School of Visual Arts, presents a potent combination of technical expertise, artistic creativity, and theoretical proficiency.
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Maxwell boasts an array of professional achievements. As a Photographer, Designer, NYS Licensed Realtor, FAA Licensed UAS Pilot, Certified Elite Fitness Trainer, Certified Bodybuilding Coach, and Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist, he possesses the practical insight to create visual narratives that resonate deeply with viewers. This proficiency is further enriched by his experience as an entrepreneur and author, fostering strategic creativity and innovation.
As a first-generation immigrant, Maxwell has a unique understanding of global marketing trends, particularly in the travel and hospitality industry. This multi-cultural perspective infuses his photography with a distinctive edge that appeals to a broad spectrum of audiences. His approach to creating art is deeply rooted in a myriad of themes including spirituality, creativity, sexuality, social responsibility, sustainability, design, bodybuilding, and fitness motivation. The result is a collection of powerful images that are not only visually arresting but also rich with meaning and context.
Maxwell’s incomparable skills and keen insights have been instrumental in Alluvion Media’s ascent to success. His visionary approach has elevated the brand and design strategies for hundreds of companies worldwide. His expertise in advertising and hospitality photography has revolutionized numerous Airbnb and STR listings, escalating their visibility, bookings, and profitability.
Under Maxwell’s leadership, Alluvion Media offers an unparalleled blend of world-class photography, in-depth understanding of hospitality industry trends, and insightful consumer psychology. With a leader like Maxwell Alexander steering the course, Alluvion Media continues to redefine the contours of hospitality photography.
In the realm where images reign supreme, Maxwell Alexander is a trailblazer, conducting visual masterpieces that captivate, inspire, and deliver tangible results. Experience the transformative impact of his photography by booking a session with Alluvion Media today. Join us on a visual journey that vividly portrays the luxury of your space.
by Katie Arthurs
Although the umbrella term “Two-Spirit” has only been around since the ’90s, the Indigenous gender-variant identities it encompasses have deep roots within many Indigenous communities across North America. Historically, Two-Spirit people often held revered roles within their communities such as medicine people, teachers, name givers, spiritual leaders, and storytellers.
Despite efforts of erasure, the Two-Spirit community remains ever present. From Water Protectors standing at the front lines of protests to protect water supplies, to activists working to stop the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) epidemic, to artists expressing their identities through performance and paintings; we remain steadfast in who we are and what we represent. We have even seen more and more Two-Spirit artists taking control of their own narratives and telling their stories, expanding and reframing the definition of traditional storytelling. Two-Spirit filmmaker Kymon Greyhorse’s short film I Am Home was featured at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
To continue to uplift and celebrate Two-Spirit and other Indigenous gender-variant voices to tell their own stories, the Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program has created a writing-focused Two-Spirit Intensive. Running virtually from July 26–28, this intensive aims to provide a supportive environment for participating artists to hone and develop their short film scripts, connect with community, and engage in conversations about identity and art. The advisors for the Intensive include Theo Jean Cuthand (Plains Cree, Kwêskosîw [She Whistles]), Erica Tremblay (Seneca-Cayuga, Fancy Dance), and Tiare Ribeaux (Kānaka Maoli / Kānaka ‘Ōiwi, Pō’ele Wai) with opening blessing conducted by Landa Lakes (Chickasaw).
The following are this year’s selected Fellows and their projects:
Gillian Joseph with Heċhetu:Tash’s latest writing project is a collection of fictitious love letters between an Indigenous lesbian couple in the 1800s. While tending to the creation of the lovers’ world, their realities begin to blend. Soon, the three women enter a romantic relationship as Tash gives herself over to imagination.
Gillian Joseph (Ihaŋktoŋwaŋ and Mdewakaŋtoŋ Dakota) Gillian Joseph is a queer, 2-Spirit Ihaŋktoŋwaŋ and Mdewakaŋtoŋ Dakota storyteller who grew up as a guest on Waxhaw and Catawba lands. They’re passionate about creating art that collapses colonial boundaries by re-imagining time, carving out pathways for knowledge sharing, and building restorative worlds. Find them online at gillian-joseph.com.
Littlebear Sanchez with Always, My Love: Warlance White Buffalo, a Native American man living alone on the reservation, stumbles upon an obituary of someone he once deeply loved. Plagued by memories of his past romance with Juno Mata, a Two-Spirited man, Warlance confronts his long-suppressed emotions and sets out on a poignant journey to honor his lost love.
Born in Austin, Texas, Littlebear Sanchez (Lipan Apache & Mexican) is a Two-Spirit filmmaker and the founder of Wild Butterfly Films. With experience in producing short films, documentary, and experimental films, Their focus is creating impactful storytelling with a diverse cast and crew, while specifically highlighting the voices and experiences of indigenous communities.
M. Kaleipumehana Cabral with Becoming My Own Ahupuaʻa: Becoming My Own Ahupuaʻa is an indigiqueer take on “self-care.” This experimental short tells the story of one queer Kanaka (re)connecting with culture and home through becoming their own refuge. We experience their journey through movement, mixed media, and a range of Native Hawaiian practices, moʻolelo (stories), and beliefs.
Pumehana Cabral (Kanaka Maoli) is a nonbinary queer Kanaka whose creative work centers around community and pilina, connection. They are a freelancer and consultant committed to art, ʻāina education, indigenous rights, and traditional and holistic healing. They believe that creative, collaborative work is pivotal to long-term social change — in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
