How do you use framing to direct the viewer's attention and focus in photography?

This framing effect can be stacked to create even more depth as layers of different frames can lead the viewer "deeper" into the photograph and create more middle ground. The "frame" doesn't have to be limited to physical objects. Lighting, sharply contrasting hues, tones/values can all be used to visually frame a subject as well.

See this part about framing is a good overview, but ultimately we can also use various hues to determine what the eye is drawn to. After all, if everyone else is in dull, drab clothing (black suits) but there's one person in a bright red outfit in the scene who's the focus; the eye will naturally be drawn to that which is different. This is something that painters are already well aware of; but we as photographers can sometimes ignore (not always) but sometimes. This is why it's important to think about colour (if you're going to be keeping it) when framing an image; and how they're distributed; instead of simply luminance values and leading lines.

I think framing here is, "composition" but more narrowly expressed as framing for photography. The physical frame of a photograph is different and has little to do with composition. The physical frame Picture frame) can add elements to help guide the viewer into the picture, not compete with it. It can have elements of color, depth and pattern to at most echoing parts of the art image and ideally helping to enhance it's presentation. A bad picture framing design competes or distracts from the art. The picture frame also helps protect the art from becoming damaged by the almost inevitable hard knocks over time.

I generally create depth of field or framing by pulling back from the subject to see in what context it sits. Also with a little image processing, lower the colour saturation of the background and punch up the saturation of the subject.

The strongest framing makes the viewer aware not just of what they see but what they do not see, hence a strong framing object/element is partially in shot and partially out of the shot. Giving the impression that the scenes extends beyond what we see subconsciously creates depth, context and greater intrigue.

When it comes to creating compositions using the Fibonacci spiral, it's all about playing with simple visual aesthetics. This technique takes advantage of how our eyes naturally move from the top left corner to the bottom right corner and then back to the left side of a photo. It's like a natural flow, similar to the way we read and write. By using this technique, you can grab people's attention, both in individual photos and on platforms like Instagram. For example, you can try positioning the legs or arms slightly turned to the right or focus on the face and eyes. These choices help create a more pleasing composition and make your photos stand out.

The Fibonacci spiral can be a great starting point. There are so many ways one can draw the viewers attention. Framing a subject within another frame like a window or a door. Contrast from light to dark will have the viewer go directly to lightest part of the image. Leading lines such as standing in a tunnel or on the street and all lines bring you to your subject. It all comes down to practice, training your eye to see these things and continually experimenting. It can take years but the progress will be visible over time