Framing is one of those styling techniques we come back to again and again. It’s simple, incredibly effective, and a beautiful way to add depth, focus and storytelling to an image. Whether you’re styling food or products, framing helps guide the viewer’s eye exactly where we want it to go while creating a richer, more layered scene.
Framing can be interpreted in a few ways, but the main two are:
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framing the subject/hero
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framing the entire image around the edges
Framing the subject (hero)
Framing the subject or hero is a technique used to make it more obvious – which usually means making it appear larger within the image.
For example, you might want to shoot and focus on a cup of coffee, but you also need a wider shot, so the coffee looks a little small. The solution can be to add a frame around it, usually by bringing in another layer underneath – a saucer, a plate, a tray, a book, a board, or a mixture of several.
This creates a stronger focal point, with the added benefits of layering: more light and shade, varied textures, more storytelling opportunities, and more height depending on the props chosen.
With that height difference comes more opportunity to play with focus and decide how much of the set should be sharp alongside the hero. This is especially useful when shooting overhead and you don’t want everything in focus – softer areas can add a lovely sense of depth.
Subject framing is used here on Fez – to make the small cup of coffee more prominent in a wide shot, we’ve framed it by layering a large book underneath to make it the clearer subject. The extra height from the book lifts the focal point, allowing the lower props and set to fall out of focus, adding depth and interest to the flatlay (which can sometimes look a bit, er… flat!).
Framing the image
Framing the whole image can be even more fun. The edge of a chair, foliage, or an arm leaving the shot all add depth and a sense of realism.
You can also add props that drop off the edge of the frame – not intended to be clearly seen, but contributing light and shade, textural interest, and helping to tell the story of the food or product.
Photography tips for framing
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Always check the focus stays on the subject and doesn’t jump elsewhere
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Play with focal depth to see what works – macro lenses are great when using framing techniques
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Try darkening objects used to frame around the edges (hold black card between them and the light). If they’re close to the light source they can become distracting if too bright
Styling tips for framing compositions
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When framing the subject in flatlays, try taller layering props like upside-down drawers or boxes to quickly add height and isolate focus on the subject. They’ll also create interesting shadows
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Don’t stop at one subject frame – explore multiple plates, boards, trays and linens to build layered framing
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When framing around the edge of the image, experiment with soft and hard props. Soft/light props might be foliage, linens or glassware; hard props might be pans, plates or hands/arms
A beautiful shot by Suze Morrison from GourmetGlow uses multiple trays to encircle her hero bowl of noodles. This makes it appear larger within the image and the clear focus of the shot, even though there are two noodle bowls present.
Editing ideas for editorial photography
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A vignette is a classic framing technique, which can create a spotlight effect if used strongly
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Use gradient or brush masks to darken framing props that feel too dominant
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Add clarity to layered props if they’re out of focus and looking a little flat
Here, Anna Janecka has cleverly framed her image using glasses and props in tones similar to the backdrop colour. This adds texture and shadow without taking attention away from the salad – the elements support the story and suggest the scene continues beyond the frame, while still letting the hero shine. Shot on Darley
This delightful image by Suze Morrison at GourmetGlow uses both framing techniques: marble creates a strong central base for the hot chocolate cups, while blossom in the foreground and background forms a soft frame around the entire scene.
Flowers are often used in soft focus around the frame to break the edge and give a more three-dimensional feeling, inviting the viewer into the image. It’s one of our favourite techniques to bring into styling.
We hope this blog has given you some ideas - framing is a technique that'll definitely come in handy when you need that little something extra to set the scene.