How to Frame Your Video Shots Effectively

Each shot you take must make sense if your video is going to make sense. Frame your pictures well and the quality of your shooting will improve immensely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camcorders

1. Make use of all the area in your viewfinder so that you fill the frame with picture.

2. Avoid putting the "good stuff" in the center of the frame, surrounded by a margin of picture where nothing of interest is happening.

3. Split your picture into segments: Make each complement the other.

4. Make each picture have a central focal point. Position yourself so the impact of that focal point is enhanced by other elements of the picture.

5. Use dutch angles sparingly; they should only be used for special effects, and then rarely.

6. Remember, a wide shot with the subject close to you includes more background.

7. Remember that zooming in to make the subject the same size will include less background.

8. Keep screen direction in mind. If your subject is nose left, be sure he or she stays nose left throughout the segment you are shooting.

9. Decide which direction you want to have the action flowing, and then stick to that decision throughout your shooting session.

10. Aim your camera so you don't cut off people's heads or shoes. Or frame so the head is in the top half of your shot, and let the bottom frame line cut off your subjects at the waist.

11. Make every shot look as if you planned it to be that way - not careless and accidental. You can cover a multitude of sins this way.

Tips & Warnings

• A picture split into segments might show a tree at the left edge of the viewfinder, with a branch overhanging along the top edge. You would put your action in the area under the branch and inside the trunk.
• If you have decided upon the central element of a picture, and then you find that other elements are more interesting, you have chosen the wrong element to be the central one. Choose another element. Always be sure the central element of your picture is the most compelling image.
• When you are taking a picture of someone, you can start with a wide shot very close to the person, then cut to a tighter shot on telephoto with your zoom lens.
• If you are shooting an interview, draw an imaginary line between your camera and the subject. Stay on the same side of the line for all of your shooting. In this way your shooting will preserve screen direction.