Framing (visual arts)

The goal is often to focus the viewer's attention upon the subject, but the ends and means are ultimately at the discretion of the artist.

Framing, especially in the photographic arts, is primarily concerned with the position and perspective of the viewer.

The position of the observer has tremendous impact on their perception of the main subject, both in terms of aesthetics and in their interpretation of its meaning.

If the setting was in the middle of a flat plain, the viewer might perceive a sense of loneliness or that the subject is lost, because the viewer cannot find any visual cues to orient the location of the subject.

Especially if the artist chooses to hint at some malicious intent, a member of the audience might feel uncomfortable looking through the eyes of, say, a stalker.