Unlike framing a picture to hang on a wall, using a “frame” in your photographs is very different. By doing so you give the image added depth, leads the viewer to the main subject and gives the photo context and sense of place. This is especially true with architectural subjects like arches or gates. Epcot’s World Showcase has two excellent ways of using a frame in a photo to do all of the above.
In the waters of World Showcase Lagoon at the Japan pavilion, Spaceship Earth can be seen and framed through a red Torii Gate. To keep everything in focus I used an aperture of f/16 and set my distance so the Torii Gate was about one third into the frame. I underexposed it slightly by setting my exposure compensation or EV to -0.3. This brought out the colors in the scene.
Does anyone know what type of focus this is called? First person to answer correctly in the comments will win an 8×10 print of the Red Torii Gate photo below. Hint: I have wrote about it A LOT! [We have a winner of the Torii Gate print! No more comments will be accepted. Thank you all for participating!]
Spaceship Earth framed by the Red torii gate in the Japan pavilion.
Nikon D750/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 360, EV -0.3, 28mm focal length.
In the China pavilion, the very ornate Paifang Gate in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is another place you can use framing in a photo. Here I waited until night and long after Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was over. This gave me a scene without other guests around. Using a tripod, I set up in front of the gate and waited for a few guests to move before using a long shutter speed of 30 seconds to pull in all the light and detail of the scene.
To continue the fun, the first person to post a comment telling me why the number “12” is of significance in the China pavilion wins an 8×10 print of the Paifang Gate below. [We have a winner of the Paifang Gate print! No more comments will be accepted. Thank you all for participating!]
Paifang Gate in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest at night in the China pavilion.
Nikon D750/28-300VR, 30s, f/11, ISO 100, EV 0, 28mm focal length, tripod.
Both of these locations are Nikon Picture Spots and for all the reasons I have talked about here. Next time you are out photographing, look for opportunities to use a “frame” in your composition.
Hi, Scott. I believe the answer to your first question is hyperfocus
Scott replies: Your are correct Chis and the first person to answer the focus question correctly. I will be in touch to arrange for the print to be sent to you forthwith!
The number 12 is significant because of the 12 months of the year and China’s 12 year cycle. Each year is represented by a different zodiac animal. On February 8, the year of the Monkey will start.
Scott replies: Your are correct Jaime and the first person to answer the question of “12” correctly. I will be in touch to arrange for the print to be sent to you forthwith!