The Natural Light Portrait Book

Avoid This Framing Mistake

One thing we want to make sure to avoid when composing our shots is framing them where we cut our subject off at any of their joints—we’re talking elbows, wrists, or knees. It’s another one of those things that makes the viewer feel uncomfortable when they’re looking at the shot, even if they don’t know why. Of course, unless you’re shooting full-length, you’re going to have to cut them off at some point, so our goal is to choose a place that’s not uncomfortable to do so, and as long as you stay away from the joints, you’ll be okay. Take a look at the image above. It’s cut off too low—right at his elbows—and it makes ...