Shot Sizes
It all starts with choosing the right shot sizes to tell a visual story.
Shot size determines how much of your main subject you see in the video frame as well as how much of the setting is shown. Shot sizes are selected strategically to emphasize what the audience is intended to see in the shot. Also, varying shot sizes throughout a scene will add visual interest for the viewer.
Imagine an entire dramatic scene shot quite wide so the subject is small in the frame. The sense of drama, character reaction and relationship to others in the scene would be lost. Not to mention the scene would be visually boring. Using the correct shot sizes throughout a scene is what will add visual interest for the audience,
Shot size terminology can vary depending on whether working in film or television. the shot size document below uses terminology commonly used in television.
In film:
"Wide Shot" is replaced by "Long Shot" (film term)
"Extreme Wide Shot" is replaced by "Extreme Long Shot" (film term)
**Both terms are acceptable
Key "Shot Composition" techniques
Composing a camera shot simply means where are the important elements placed in the frame. For example, where are people or main objects positioned to create a visually interesting image. Applying "Rule of thirds" will result in dramatic improved shot composition.
This powerpoint presentation covers the most important shot composition techniques. It will take some practice to apply these techniques regularly but will result in significantly improved camera shots.
Following are the main camera composition techniques:
Composing a camera shot simply means where are the important elements placed in the frame. For example, where are people or main objects positioned to create a visually interesting image. Applying "Rule of thirds" will result in dramatic improved shot composition.
This powerpoint presentation covers the most important shot composition techniques. It will take some practice to apply these techniques regularly but will result in significantly improved camera shots.
Following are the main camera composition techniques:
- Rule of Thirds
- Angles
- Foreground Middleground Background (FG/MG/BG)
- Headroom / Lead room
Shot Sizes and Angles
A Practical demonstration
A good example of Rule of Thirds
Technique for composing a shot
Technique for composing a shot
Check out this young filmmaker's advice
What does it take to become a Hollywood camera operator?
Check it out!
2 interesting articles from the Banff Centre
https://www.banffcentre.ca/
An excellent site for those interested in filmmaking. These article talk about the importance of relevant and engaging visuals to help tell the story. The first story speaks about the use of shot sizes to express the meaning of the story being told. Short articles worth reading.
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/7-video-editing-tips-professionals
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/great-video-needs-more-just-great-story
https://www.banffcentre.ca/
An excellent site for those interested in filmmaking. These article talk about the importance of relevant and engaging visuals to help tell the story. The first story speaks about the use of shot sizes to express the meaning of the story being told. Short articles worth reading.
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/7-video-editing-tips-professionals
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/great-video-needs-more-just-great-story