VideographyPrinciples, Techniques and

Conventions

Framing & CompositionFraming is where you position objects of interest.

Rule of Thirds

Look to frame points of interest at the points of intersection

Rule of thirds

Watch the video - http://vimeo.com/14315821

Although sometimes you may want to frame in the center!

Lines of Travel

A very well used example is the station platform to draw your eye to the point where the train will appear or a scene is taking place.

Examples: A brief Encounter, Once Upon a Time in the West, Harry Potter

The Rule of Thirds is often thought of as a simplification of the Golden RatioAnd takes account of lines of travel as well – http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/8965/what-is-the-golden-ratio-and-why-is-it-better-than-the-rule-of-thirds

Poor compositionWatch for objects such as signs and plants sticking out of peoples heads!

Angles

Use a high camera angle to makeA subject look vulnerable.

Use a low camera angle to make subjectslook imposing

Quick video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQV-PC-q9B4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Lighting

• Lighting can be used to add depth to a subject or frame

• Used to add mood• Used to add meaning• Special effects (such as a car driving past)

You need to use time of day for natural lighting or use light sources thatare around you if indoors. Try moving lamps and see what effect you get.

Shot TypesPOV – point of view from the subject

Two shot

Extreme Close UP - ECU

As well as – medium shot, close up, wide shot, long shot, mid shot……… and so onMore info here - http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/

Also don’t forget cut –ins and cutaways as these can be very useful in post productionAnd put these together - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0BrdMi-oyc (3mins in)

Camera Movement

There are many types of camera movement including:

PanTiltTrackFollowArcZoomCrane

Use these to add interest or suspense along with the other techniques

Combine shot types with movement such as POV, pan, track, wide, CU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn2xSNv0TSk

Examples of tracking shots http://trueslant.com/mikeharvkey/2009/11/30/the-10-best-long-tracking-shots-ever-filmed/

Lead Space and Head Room

More here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pd0K2u1Bk8

Especially important with moving subjects so they don’t look like they are bumping into the edge of the frame.

The 180 Degree Rule