Visual Framing

Original Photo by Sally Mann

Reframed

This photo, taken by Sally Mann, encompasses a variety of skillful photo techniques that affect the viewer subconsciously. In the original, the usage of lines is very powerful with the horizontal band running across the child's eyes, his arms following the same pattern underneath, and the vertical object coming up by his chest. All of these lines lead the viewer to the head and upper chest of the child. Although blurred, the background is still distinguishable as a pond with the bank on the other side. The water acts as a depth cue, but not very well because of the blur and angle of the photograph.

By re-framing the image, I emphasized the bottom left section of the photo. Although the use of lines is still apparent, it is much weaker than in the original because there is less of it. By focusing in on part of the photo, the background has also become much more dissolved, creating an ambiguous space. Also, by realigning the photo, the use of the rule of thirds is much stronger. The band falls right on the top third line, which helps create points of interest and is the first spot your eyes look at.

There are many obvious affinities between the two photographs, such as use of lines and rule of thirds. The photos are contrasted in many ways as well, such as the shot type. The first picture is more of a medium shot from the waist up, while the re-framed picture is much closer. Just like the Hung Fuey (or whatever it was called) cartoons, when the shot gets closer, there is usually more emotion or it is more intense.