Framing and Composition

The idea behind framing and composition is to make sure that the focal point is complimented. A change of composition and framing can not only change the focus of the shot but the feel of the shot too.

For example, centred portraits demand attention. However, this is over used and is losing impact. This contrasts with placing a portrait using the rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds is designed to place objects for the most impact. The frame is split into 9 squares and the lines cross at four points. Placing the focus of the frame onto any of these intersects ensures that it has the viewer's attention and makes the shot more interesting.

According to the rule of thirds, eyes in a portrait should be roughly 1/3 of the way down. Shots should also allow for headroom and a leading space to make the shot look more balanced.

Lines in a shot are important, experimenting with them can have artistic outcomes, sharp edges of building can be powerful and diagonal lines of bricks lead focus.

Other shots to consider are birds-eye view, high and low angles, canted angles and eye level shots, a mixture of these keeps the video interesting.