Composition can often be aided by using architectural frames. By framing the subject with foreground elements, the eye is naturally drawn in to the image. This week, we chatted with five photographers on how they used framing to create these stunning images. Find inspiration in our Photos of the Week by Diana Lustig, Rosli Firdaus, Ryan Eda, Jessika Blackstock, and Dakota Argo.

Diana Lustig, Love & Latitudes

Using the couple’s rented classic Bronco to frame this photo adds a nostalgic feel to this image by Diana Lustig of Love & Latitudes. The window adds foreground interest and perfectly frames the couple at the center. Lustig says she loves photographing through windows because it creates the look of a dreamy filter. She captured the shot with the Canon EOS R6 and a 35mm lens.

“Once you’ve nailed your standard shots, it’s so much fun to look for framing opportunities,” Lustig says. “Cacti, a rock arch, a bouquet, a window—Anything that brings the environment into the foreground. Feel free to experiment. You—and more importantly the couple—will be delightfully surprised by the results.”

Rosli Firdaus, Mavericks Weddings

Inspired by the couple’s bond, photographer Rosli Firdaus of Mavericks Weddings highlighted the pair using the lines and angles from a tower. The lines and orange tones create an interesting, irregular frame that draws the eye to the couple. He captured the shot with the Nikon D850 and Sigma Art 35mm.

“I recommend taking advantage of natural elements or structures around you to frame your subjects, experimenting with angles, staying intentional with composition, and practicing to refine your framing skills over time,” he says.

Ryan Eda, Ryan Eda Photography

When this bride mentioned that she loved the front of the church, Ryan Eda of Ryan Eda Photography knew he wanted to use the symmetry to create a high impact portrait. Eda centered the bride under one arch, then worked to add motion and emotion. To complete the look, he added light with the Godox AD200, capturing the shot with the Canon EOS R5 and 14-35mm f4L.

“My advice is to be observant of the surroundings to be able to identify leading lines, patterns, shapes, or symmetry — things that would add interest and uniqueness to your photograph.” Ada suggests. “Also, the simple rule of thirds helps.”

Jessika Blackstock, Jessika Christine Photography

When Jessika Blackstock of Jessika Christine Photography saw the colorful tiles under this arch, she knew she wanted to really make them pop in the photo. To do that, she had to shoot from a lower angle — and the balcony underneath proved to be the ideal vantage point. She captured the shot with the Canon 5D Mark IV and a 24-70mm f2.8 lens.

“I think paying attention to what is around your subject is a good way to figure out the best way to frame them,” she says. “Look for arches, doorways and spots your couple can be underneath. I knew I wanted to show off the tiles underneath this arch, and I was paying attention to ways to frame them while we hiked up this building.”

Dakota Argo, Dakota Chasity Photography

Dakota Argo of Dakota Chasity Photography has admired this spiral parking garage ramp for years. Once she found a client trusting of her ideas and wanting to shoot in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, she was finally able to use that longstanding inspiration. She captured the shot with the Nikon D750 and 35mm f1.4 lens.

“When it comes to framing, I usually look for light first,” Argo said. “Then I’ll look for arches, doors, windows, or other structures around that light source. Then, I’ll experiment with angles. Composition techniques really vary, but I genuinely try to follow my instincts and not overthink it. If I decide that an idea I tried didn’t work out the way I hoped, that’s okay. I still tried it.”

Dig into our Photo of the Day archives for even more timeless photos, eye-catching wedding photos and portraits. Submit your wedding, editorial, documentary and other interesting imagery to: [email protected].