TECHNIQUES
Composition and focus
Learn to create drama with your framing and camera movements
Happily the standard practices of filmmaking composition are not too different from those of still photography. The rule of thirds still applies, as do leading lines and the golden ratio. The only difference is that, rather than framing a single shot, you have to maintain this arrangement for the duration of a video clip. This does introduce some unique challenges, especially when you consider the need to hold focus and keep a steady shot. Having a clear plan of the shots you need is a huge advantage. While a photography shoot can suffer from overplanning – in certain cases spontaneity in changeable conditions is best – due to the complexity of producing an effective video composition over time, a storyboard of shots is arguably essential.