Camera Shot Sizes
It all starts with choosing the right shot sizes to tell a visual story. Shot size refers to what will actually be seen in the frame or "field of view" the shot.
Films and television shows will consist of a variety of shot sizes as the story or topic unfolds.
Why are a variety of shot sizes chosen in any video or film?
1. Visually support the information that is required or intended to be seen at any specific time.
ie. Actions of characters, background information to reveal setting, show extreme or specific details
2. Simply adds visual interest to the video or film. Imagine a film shot using only 1 shot size - boring!
We want to see emotions or reactions closeups, we need to know where a scene is taking place
3. Allows for editing a smooth visual flow through a scene by varying shot sizes
Note:
Shot size terminology can vary depending on whether working in film or television.
The shot size document used on this page 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
It all starts with choosing the right shot sizes to tell a visual story. Shot size refers to what will actually be seen in the frame or "field of view" the shot.
Films and television shows will consist of a variety of shot sizes as the story or topic unfolds.
Why are a variety of shot sizes chosen in any video or film?
1. Visually support the information that is required or intended to be seen at any specific time.
ie. Actions of characters, background information to reveal setting, show extreme or specific details
2. Simply adds visual interest to the video or film. Imagine a film shot using only 1 shot size - boring!
We want to see emotions or reactions closeups, we need to know where a scene is taking place
3. Allows for editing a smooth visual flow through a scene by varying shot sizes
Note:
Shot size terminology can vary depending on whether working in film or television.
The shot size document used on this page 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
Shot Composition Techniques
Composing visually pleasing camera shots
Composing visually pleasing camera shots
- Rule of Thirds
- Headroom
- Lead room
- Camera Angles
- Foreground/Middle Ground/Background
- Leading Lines
A Practical demonstration
Shot Sizes and Camera Angles
Source: Film Riot - filmriot.com an excellent filmmaking site
Note:
The term "Cameraman" in this video should be replaced by the term "Camera Operator"
All television and film production roles are gender neutral
Note:
The term "Cameraman" in this video should be replaced by the term "Camera Operator"
All television and film production roles are gender neutral
Rule of Thirds
A simple but effective visual example
A simple but effective visual example
Composition, Shot Size and Camera Angle Assignment
1 Mark for each
1 Mark for each
1_assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles.docx | |
File Size: | 9 kb |
File Type: | docx |
assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles.pages | |
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Shot Size/Composition
Practical Camera Assignment
The objective of this assignment is for students to visually demonstrate the knowledge of Shot sizes and shot composition. Students will shoot video or take photos that demonstrate their knowledge and ability to apply these camera shot skills. These skills form the basis for shooting visually pleasing still images or video clips.
Shots must be of a person (Unless an extreme close up)
Assignment Requirements - either photos or video:
Step 1 Reserach - "training the eye":
Download 7 images form the internet that you consider excellent examples of varied shot sizes and shot composition.
1. Identify the shot size
2. Identify the shot composition techniques as discussed in the lesson
Load images into word or what will work for you using your technology.
Beside each image provide brief notes as to why the images are a good representation of varied shot
You will submit 7 downloaded images for this portion of the assignment.
Submit as a word processing file if needed or better yet as a .pdf
Step 2 - Applying your visual understanding of shot sizes and shot composition
1. Use all 7 basic shot sizes at least once
2. Use Rule of Thirds for every shot (all 10)
3. Show the correct headroom for each shot
4. All shots must have depth (foreground/middleground/background) - do not shoot against walls!
5. Use of leading lines will add to the visual depth of a shot
You will submit 10 images you take for this portion of the assignment.
All 10 shots will be evaluated on the the use of all shot sizes and application of shot composition concepts.
Practical Camera Assignment
The objective of this assignment is for students to visually demonstrate the knowledge of Shot sizes and shot composition. Students will shoot video or take photos that demonstrate their knowledge and ability to apply these camera shot skills. These skills form the basis for shooting visually pleasing still images or video clips.
Shots must be of a person (Unless an extreme close up)
Assignment Requirements - either photos or video:
Step 1 Reserach - "training the eye":
Download 7 images form the internet that you consider excellent examples of varied shot sizes and shot composition.
1. Identify the shot size
2. Identify the shot composition techniques as discussed in the lesson
Load images into word or what will work for you using your technology.
Beside each image provide brief notes as to why the images are a good representation of varied shot
You will submit 7 downloaded images for this portion of the assignment.
Submit as a word processing file if needed or better yet as a .pdf
Step 2 - Applying your visual understanding of shot sizes and shot composition
1. Use all 7 basic shot sizes at least once
2. Use Rule of Thirds for every shot (all 10)
3. Show the correct headroom for each shot
4. All shots must have depth (foreground/middleground/background) - do not shoot against walls!
5. Use of leading lines will add to the visual depth of a shot
You will submit 10 images you take for this portion of the assignment.
All 10 shots will be evaluated on the the use of all shot sizes and application of shot composition concepts.
Check out this young filmmaker's advice
Hollywood Filmmaking
What does it take to become a Hollywood film camera operator?
Check it out!
2 interesting film/video production 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