📸Visual Storytelling Unit 3 – Framing and Shot Composition Basics

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Framing refers to the placement and arrangement of subjects within the boundaries of an image or shot
• Shot composition is the art of arranging visual elements to create a balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and meaningful image
• Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image (common ratios include 16:9, 4:3, and 1:1)
• Field of view (FOV) is the extent of the observable world that is seen at any given moment, determined by factors such as focal length and camera sensor size
• Focal length is the distance between the lens and the camera sensor when the subject is in focus, affecting the angle of view and magnification
• Depth of field (DOF) is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appears acceptably sharp in an image
  • Shallow DOF creates a blurred background, drawing attention to the subject
  • Deep DOF keeps both foreground and background elements in focus
• Foreground, middle ground, and background are the three main planes of depth in an image, used to create visual interest and guide the viewer's attention

Types of Shots and Framing

• Extreme long shot (ELS) captures a wide view of the location, often used to establish the scene or convey scale
• Long shot (LS) frames the subject from head to toe, showing the character in relation to their surroundings
• Medium shot (MS) frames the subject from the waist up, allowing for the display of facial expressions and body language
  • Medium long shot (MLS) falls between a long shot and a medium shot, framing the subject from the knees up
  • Medium close-up (MCU) frames the subject from the chest up, emphasizing facial expressions and emotions
• Close-up (CU) tightly frames the subject's face, focusing on their emotional state and reactions
• Extreme close-up (ECU) captures a specific detail or feature of the subject, such as eyes or hands
• Two-shot frames two subjects in the same shot, often used for conversations or interactions between characters
• Over-the-shoulder shot (OTS) is a framing technique commonly used in dialogue scenes, showing one character from behind the shoulder of another character

The Rule of Thirds and Composition Guidelines

• The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that divides the frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines
  • Placing subjects or points of interest along these lines or at their intersections creates a balanced and visually appealing composition
• Leading lines are visual elements (such as roads, paths, or architectural features) that guide the viewer's eye towards the main subject or point of interest
• Symmetry in composition can create a sense of balance, stability, and harmony, often used for formal or stylized shots
• Framing within the frame involves using elements in the foreground (such as doorways, windows, or natural features) to frame the main subject, adding depth and visual interest
• Negative space is the area surrounding the main subject, which can be used to create balance, emphasize the subject, or convey a sense of isolation
• Simplicity in composition involves minimizing distractions and focusing on the essential elements to create a clear and impactful image
• Breaking the rules intentionally can create unique and dynamic compositions that challenge viewer expectations and convey specific moods or themes

Camera Angles and Their Impact

• Eye-level angle is a neutral camera angle that mimics the perspective of a person standing, creating a sense of normalcy and realism
• Low angle places the camera below the subject's eye level, making them appear larger, more powerful, or intimidating
• High angle positions the camera above the subject's eye level, making them seem smaller, vulnerable, or inferior
• Dutch angle (or canted angle) tilts the camera on its axis, creating a sense of unease, disorientation, or instability
• Bird's eye view is an extremely high angle shot, looking directly down on the subject or scene, often used to establish location or show scale
• Worm's eye view is an extremely low angle shot, looking directly up at the subject, which can make the subject appear imposing or larger than life
• Point of view (POV) shot mimics the perspective of a character, allowing the audience to see through their eyes and experience their viewpoint

Movement and Blocking in Frame

• Blocking refers to the positioning and movement of actors within a scene, considering their placement in relation to the camera and each other
• Staging is the arrangement of actors and objects within the frame to create a visually compelling and meaningful composition
• Character movement can guide the viewer's attention, reveal relationships between characters, and convey emotions or intentions
• Camera movement techniques (such as panning, tilting, and tracking) can dynamically reveal information, follow action, or create visual interest
  • Panning involves rotating the camera horizontally on a fixed axis to follow action or reveal the scene
  • Tilting moves the camera vertically on a fixed axis, often used to reveal the full extent of a subject or create a sense of height
  • Tracking (or dollying) moves the camera towards, away from, or alongside the subject, often used to follow action or create a sense of depth
• Blocking and camera movement can work together to create dynamic and engaging compositions that advance the story and reveal character

Depth and Perspective Techniques

• Deep space composition arranges elements on multiple planes of depth (foreground, middle ground, and background) to create a sense of depth and dimensionality
• Overlapping elements in the frame can create a sense of depth, with closer objects partially obscuring those further away
• Atmospheric perspective uses the effect of the atmosphere (such as haze or fog) to create a sense of depth, with distant objects appearing less distinct and more blue-tinted
• Linear perspective uses converging lines (such as roads or railroad tracks) to create the illusion of depth and distance
• Aerial perspective is the effect of the atmosphere on the appearance of distant objects, making them appear less detailed and more blue or gray
• Forced perspective is a technique that manipulates the scale and placement of objects to create the illusion of depth or size differences
• Rack focus is a technique that shifts the focus from one subject to another within the same shot, often used to guide the viewer's attention or reveal new information

Storytelling Through Framing Choices

• Establishing shots introduce the location, time, and context of a scene, often using wide framing to provide a sense of scale and place
• Framing can guide the viewer's attention to key elements, such as characters, objects, or actions that are essential to the story
• Shot composition can convey character relationships, emotions, and power dynamics through the placement and interaction of subjects within the frame
• Framing choices can create visual metaphors or symbolism that reinforce themes, motifs, or character arcs
• Selective focus (using shallow depth of field) can isolate subjects, emphasize emotions, or create a sense of subjectivity
• Juxtaposition of elements within the frame can create contrast, tension, or irony that enhances the storytelling
• Continuity editing relies on consistent framing and shot composition to maintain spatial and temporal coherence between shots and scenes

Practical Applications and Exercises

• Practice composing shots using the rule of thirds, placing subjects along the grid lines or at their intersections
• Experiment with different camera angles (eye-level, low angle, high angle) to convey different moods, power dynamics, or character perspectives
• Use leading lines and framing within the frame to guide the viewer's eye and create visually interesting compositions
• Practice staging and blocking actors within the frame, considering their placement, movement, and interaction with the environment
• Experiment with deep space composition, arranging elements on multiple planes of depth to create a sense of dimensionality
• Use selective focus and rack focus techniques to guide the viewer's attention and emphasize key story elements
• Analyze shot compositions in films, television shows, or photographs to identify storytelling techniques and their emotional impact
• Create a series of shots that convey a simple story or emotion using framing, camera angles, and depth cues, focusing on visual storytelling without dialogue