Introduction to Video Communications: Common Shot Types & Composition Techniques

1. Introduction to Video Communications:Common Shot Types & Composition Techniques TGJ 2OI Bluevale Collegiate

2. OVERVIEW • This presentation will cover the basic shot types commonly used in video production. • You will also learn about some of the common camera moves, composition techniques and “rules” that skilled videographers follow when filming. • Follow these principles and your videos will look much better than all those shaky home movies posted on YouTube!

3. COMMON SHOT TYPES • It is important to be familiar with the most common shot types used in video production. • Camera operators may use slightly different terms for certain shots, but composition techniques are common. • You should be familiar with the proper terms and when certain shots are suitable to convey meaning/mood in video.

4. EXTREME WIDE SHOT (EWS) • The view is so far from a subject that he/she isn't even visible. • Shows the subject's surroundings. • Often used as an establishing shot —designed to show the audience where the action is taking place.

5. WIDE SHOT (WS) • Subject takes up the full frame • The small amount of room above and below the subject can be thought of as safety room — should not cut off feet or top of head • Looks uncomfortable if the feet and head were exactly at the top and bottom of frame

6. MID SHOT (MS) or Waist Shot • Shows some part of the subject in more detail, while showing enough to feel as if you are looking at the whole subject • How you would see a person "in the flesh" if you were having a casual conversation – lower body not as important

7. BUST SHOT (BS) – no jokes! • Sometimes called Medium Close-Up • Frame from mid-chest to above head • Shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close

8. CLOSE-UP (CU) • Arguably most common (and most important) camera shot • Frame person from top of shoulders to just above the head • Shows emotion – good for making connection with subject

9. EXTREME CLOSE-UP (ECU) • Gets right in and shows extreme detail • Important for isolating specific things on screen you want the audience to notice • Good for conveying emotion

10. CUTAWAY (CA) • Shot of something other than the current action • Could be a different subject (e.g. these children), a CU of a different part of the subject (such as a subject's hands), or just about anything else around scene • Used as a "buffer" between shots (to help the editing process), or to add interest/information

11. SHOT COMPOSITION TIPS By following some of the following useful tips, you can dramatically improve the quality of a video production . . .

12. LOW ANGLE SHOT SHOT COMPOSITION TIPS • Don’t film everything at eye-level. • Too many shots at the same height/angle are boring. • Try different angles and heights to create visual interest & show subjects in ways your audience isn’t used to. • Effective for making someone appear larger than life and imposing/scary

13. HIGH ANGLE • Good for making subject look weak or vulnerable • TILTED HORIZON • Used when the character is about to fall over or to create unusual visual effect SHOT COMPOSITION TIPS

14. SHOT COMPOSITION TIPS • Use Natural Framing • Use elements of your surroundings to frame shots & limit what audience can see (trees, windows, buildings, etc.) • Makes audience feel they are part of the action

15. SHOT COMPOSITION TIPS • Follow the Rule of Thirds (BIG ONE!) • When filming, you should place subjects at specific “third” points on the screen to create powerful visual interest.

16. SHOT COMPOSITION TIPS • Rule of Thirds (contd.) • Objects placed at the dead centre on the screen tend to look boring.

17. RULE OF THIRDS

18. 2 3 1 4 SHOT COMPOSITION TIPS • Rule of Thirds (contd.) • Our eyes map out visual space in thirds • We follow a path through the scene by moving to intersection points of the third lines Most important visual point

19. RULE OF THIRDS • Try to place subjects on the third lines/off centre This also gives the subject room to move and creates LEAD ROOM

20. BASIC CAMERA MOVES • PANNING • Camera swivels from side to side to keep moving subjects on screen • Similar to standing in one place and turning your head • If possible, use a tripod for a steady shot

21. BASIC CAMERA MOVES • TRUCKING/DOLLYING • Camera rolls from side to side (trucking) or forward/backward (dollying) to follow a moving subject (keeps in frame) • Use a tripod/rolling base for smooth movement • Creates illusion the viewer is moving

22. BASIC CAMERA MOVES • ZOOMING • Not really a camera “move” • Change the camera’s lens setting to make an object appear closer or farther away from the camera • Subject appears to move (not viewer) Zoom-out“W” = wide angle Zoom-in“T” = tight angle

23. BASIC CAMERA MOVES • Use a Tripod! • 3-legged base provides steady support • Allows for tilting, panning and filming at different heights • Add rolling base to allow for trucking/dollying

24. SOME FINAL TIPS • Know how to handle the camera • Use extra support to avoid the “shakes”, especially when filming close-ups • Too much camera wobble will make your audience dizzy • Stability can be created by using your body, a wall, furniture or a tripod • Choose shot types carefully • Pay close attention to surroundings – avoid distracting backgrounds, etc. • When zooming, do so slowly and sparingly.

25. There’s plenty more to learn about video production, but you’ll do that while working on your projects! Any questions?