A tree fully in the frame? Or not?

Friday 3 January 2025, 20:02 by Nando Harmsen | 3,321 views | 1 comment

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

I was recently told again that the tree was not completely in the frame. And indeed, that was the case. The tree canopy simply wasn't important to the photo. The question remains: does the tree need to be fully in the frame, or is that not necessary?

I often photograph landscapes where a tree is not fully in the frame. The canopy is then 'cut off', which some people consider undesirable. Even when the tree canopy adds absolutely nothing to the photo.

The tree as a view through to the sunrise. The canopy is not interesting here.
A tree often reaches far above ground level. Depending on your viewpoint and the background, including the canopy can result in a lot of sky in the frame. Sometimes that is simply too much.

I always try to include exactly what I want in the frame. I want to keep all distracting elements out of the image. That can include the sky. In that case, I leave it out of the frame. I choose a composition that creates a pleasing image structure.

The same tree as above in a different composition. Although it is not a bad photo, it is rather ordinary. I find the photo above much more interesting.
There is no rule dictating that you must always have everything fully in the frame. What matters is that you show what the photo is about. If the canopy of a tree adds no value, it can simply be left out of the frame.

The bench beneath the tree is what matters. Not the tree canopy. The tree now creates a beautiful frame. Including the canopy would only have given me the dull grey sky as a flat fill, making the bench less noticeable.
By not including a tree fully in the frame, you can put more focus on the landscape behind it. The tree can still be your subject, and it is good to focus on it. But this allows the background to appear beautifully in the frame.

Although the photo has a somewhat unbalanced composition, it is good that the tree is fully in the frame. The sky is also an important part of the photo.
Even when the tree is the subject, it does not have to be fully in the frame. Especially when the canopy extends far beyond the part of the landscape you want to show. The shape of a trunk, together with the background, can already be enough for an engaging image. But don't underestimate colours either.

The canopies are not in the frame because they would detract from the image. The colours are now present. If the blue-white sky had also been included, the effect would have been much weaker. Now the colour only stands out.
Instead of compulsively including a tree fully in the frame, I look at what is important for the composition. Does the canopy add value? Is the background behind the canopy distracting, such as an uninteresting sky? Does the photo become unbalanced when the canopy is included?

Based on what I consider important at that moment, I choose a composition. If I am unsure, I take several photos, with the tree fully in the frame and without it. Then I look at home to see which one looks best. It often turns out that the photos without the tree canopy have more impact.

It is about the contrast between the dark trunks and the light on the icy grass. The canopies are not important to the photo. Especially because including them would also have brought the 'overexposed' sky into the frame.
Of course, everyone must decide for themselves, but remember that you are never obliged to include a tree in its entirety. It is only important when it adds value and benefits the composition.

What do you think? Do you always include trees fully in the frame? Is it a must, or is it not a requirement for you? Share your opinion in a comment below this post.

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