Improve your composition using the 'Frame within a frame' technique

Simplify your compositions and add depth to your storytelling

By Michael Wilson

June 13^th, 2025

As a street photographer, your challenge is to bring order to the chaos, to isolate a single, compelling narrative from the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the most powerful compositional tools in your arsenal for achieving this is the "frame within a frame."

What is "frame within a frame" composition?

In street photography, the "frame within a frame" (also known as subframing) is a compositional technique where the photographer uses elements within the scene to create a secondary frame around their main subject.

This technique is often used by the street photography greats.

Improve your composition using the 'Frame within a frame' technique

The benefits of subframing

Subframing does several things to elevate your street photography:

It creates depth and dimension: By placing elements in the foreground, you immediately add a sense of depth to a two-dimensional image. The viewer's eye travels from the outer frame to the inner subject, creating a more immersive experience.
It directs the viewer's focus: A frame acts as a visual funnel, guiding the viewer's attention directly to your intended subject and minimising distractions from the surrounding environment.
It adds context and narrative: The object you use as a frame can be just as important as the subject itself. A person framed by a bustling market stall tells a different story than someone framed by the solemn archway of a historic building. The frame becomes part of the narrative, enriching the story you're trying to tell.
It evokes a sense of voyeurism: Shooting through a window, a doorway, or even the gap between two people can create a feeling of stolen intimacy, as if the viewer is getting a secret glimpse into a private moment.

Things to consider when subframing

Gear

When I'm out shooting street photography, I often opt for a longer lens than many others might use. However, I've discovered that my 50mm f/2 lens is incredibly useful for finding interesting shots. On my Fuji X-T5, that 50mm lens actually gives me the equivalent of a 75mm lens.

I really like that extra zoom because it helps me remove distractions from my photos. With a longer lens, elements in the foreground can often fill up more of the frame, naturally blocking out anything I don't want in the shot. Plus, longer lenses have a great way of compressing the background, which can make your subject feel much closer and more connected to the overall image.

Slow down

Taking your time is always good advice when it comes to street photography, but it's especially important when you're trying to find frames within frames.

You really need to stop and study a scene. Those frames might not immediately jump out at you, but if you make yourself look for them, you'll start to notice they're everywhere!

Play with focus

You don't always have to have the subject in sharp focus. Experiment with focusing on the frame itself, leaving the subject in the background slightly blurred to create a sense of mystery.

Things that make good frames

Once you start looking for frames, you'll see them in the most unexpected places. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

Architectural elements: This is the most obvious and abundant source of frames. Look for doorways, windows, archways, tunnels, and bridges. The clean lines of architecture can create powerful, geometric frames.
Vehicles: The window of a bus, the frame of a taxi's rear-view mirror, or even the space between train cars can offer unique and dynamic framing opportunities.
Street furniture: Benches, lampposts, and even telephone boxes can be used to creatively frame a subject.
Natural elements: Don't forget to look for nature's own frames. The overhanging branches of a tree, a gap in a hedge, or the play of light and shadow can create beautifully organic frames.
Human elements: The space between two people in conversation, an arm draped over a shoulder, or even a crowd parting for a moment can create fleeting but powerful human frames.

Sharpen your eye: The “frame within a frame” challenge

I recently found myself with a spare hour in Holborn, and luckily, I had my camera with me. I decided to give myself a fun challenge: try to capture as many "frames within frames" as possible.

My whole goal was to really train my eye to spot things that could make a great natural frame for my photos. And get this: all the pictures in this article were taken within that single hour!

I'd love for you to try it too! Here's the challenge:

Pick a location.
Set a timer for a specific amount of time.

During that time, focus only on finding subframe compositions. Don't worry about getting perfect, portfolio-worthy shots. The main idea here is to train your eye to see these opportunities.

By doing this, you'll start reacting quicker and spotting more of these "frames within frames" whenever you're out shooting. It's a fantastic way to boost your compositional skills!

Get out there and show me what you find!

I'd love to see what frames within frames you discover! Feel free to share your photos with me over on Instagram. And, if you're looking for any tips or feedback, just send me a message!