elements of photography and film
Shot Sizes
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Shot Sizes
In both Photography and Film we often refer to the nine different shot sizes to describe the effect we are aiming to achieve. Extreme Long Shot (ELS): a wide view of the complete setting, in the narrative this shot gives us a sense of scale and location Very Long Shot (LS): Closer than an extreme long shot but still shows the whole scene. this shot mostly used the establish the scene. Long Shot (LS): Usually this shot if wide enough to includ the whole human character and enough bockground to establish the scene Medium Long Shot (MLS): A great deal about the setting is still visible. Human characters can be seen clearly and usually most of the body from the knee up is visible. Useful for action and some dialogue Medium Shot (MS): In this shot the character would be visible from the waist and include some space above the head. Gesture and facial expression is now clearly visible. This shot is ideal for dialogue and some action. Medium Close-up (MCU): Frames the subject moderately close. The head and shoulders fit comfortably in the frame with a little room above the head. Ideal for dialogue and capturing characters expressions Close-up (CU): Shows the detail of the subject, for humans this shot would only show the face capturing emotion. Big Close-up (BCU): this shot shows the detail of the subject. On the face it would include from the middle of the forehead to just above the chin. Showing the 'social triangle" of the eyes and mouth. This shot narrates extreme emotion Extreme Cloe-up (ECU): Shows only a portion of the detail or magnifies something that is small. This shot creates a sense of mystery and is effective in hiding what something is until the next shot or camera pulls back. |
Composition
There are five other conventions or tools to consider when framing your shot. When framing your image you dont have to use all these tools but select the ones that fit your narrative.
Lines and Diagonals or Leading Lines Placing elements on imaginary lines can create interesting effects. In the narrative diagonal lines build a sense of drama and can direct attention towards a character or event. Depth of Field The use of focus can encourage an audience to pay attention to certian details within the narrative. Selective focus, the area sharply in focus is called the depth of field. The depth of this area will be determined by the camera lens length and aperture used. For example a wide angled lens will have a greater depth of field than a telephoto lens. Depth of field can isolate a subject from its background and foreground (when using a shallow depth of field) or it can put the same subject in context by revealing it’s surrounds with a larger depth of field. Texture Images are a two dimensional thing but with a cleaver use of light we can make an image come to life highlighting its texture. Symmetry A symmetrical shot with strong composition and a good point of interest can lead to a striking image. The narrative may require that the audience be shown how symmetry effects the characters or emotions. Pattern Like texture pattern can create interesting images. Emphasizing and highlighting these patterns can lead to striking shots – as can highlighting when patterns are broken. Filling your frame with a repetitive pattern can give the impression of size and large numbers. Broken repetition might include adding a contrasting object (color, shape, texture) or removing one of the repeating objects. Contrast Contrast is used to direct viewers’ attention to their subject. There are two types: Tonal Contrast and Color Contrast. TC refers to the difference in tones from the lightest tone to the darkest tone, in other words, the difference in tones from white to grey to black. CC refers to the way colors interact with each other. The use of contrast can help convey the narrative. For example low light and contrast can create a feeling of suspense, depression, fright. High colour contrast can create a feeling of fun and excitement. |
camera Angle
The camera angle helps set the relationship the audience has with the subject of the shot. Camera angle can also establish the power relations between characters.
Camera angle can also assist the audience with understanding the scene and can bring the audience into the story through the different angles by including and rejecting certain elements of the scene. High Camera Angle: Camera is placed high and tilts down. This angle can have the effect of making the audience feel bigger or superior to the subject. Extremely High Camera Angle: This is also called a birds eye view because it gives the audience extactly that a view from the air of the action below. These days Drones are used more often to give us this unique veiwing experience. Low Camera Angle: The camera is low to the ground and tilted upwards at the subject. This had the opposite effect to the hig camera agle and can make the audience feel inferior or smaller than the subject. Neutral Camera Angle: This angle is set at the same height as the subject and is often used for close ups. Worms Eye View Camera Angle: This angle is extremely low with the camera tilted up. Here is a great example of how camera angle can improve the effect of your shot. |
Movement
Camera movement in a shot directs the audience to where the filmmaker wants them to look. Movement can also mimic human movement for instance when the camera zooms in it is like we move closer. This is important as it positions the audience within the narrative.There are many types of movement below are they main types and their narrative purpose.
Panning
This is the movement of the camera in a horizontal sweep from one side of the scene to the other. A pan helps set the scene and can add susspense to the narrative as the audience scans the scene waiting to be shown something of importance.
Tracking/ Dollying
With this movement the camera moves along the ground- forward, backward, diagonally or from side to side. It could be mounted on a stand that is attached to a rail type track or on the back of a moving vehicle or a tripod with wheels know as a dolly. The latest invention is a Steadicam which is a gyroscopic camera mount that allows the camera to move on a mechanical arm. This method allows for steady shots at various angles. For the audience they feel as thought they are moving through the scene in a three dimensional way.
Crane
The crane shot allows the camera to move up and down a mechanical arm or crane. These shots give a feeling of entering or leaving a series of events, for example a crane shot up and away at the end of a scene give a feeling of finality.
Zoom
A zoom is similar to a tracking shot except the camera stays still and the lens does the work. The zoom can enlarge or magnify the subject, zooming in on a character suggests we should listen to them. This movement is unnatural to human movement though and should be used sparingly.
Tilt
A tilt movement swivels the camera up or down while it is mounted on the tripod. A vertical pan. This movement can help establish distance and give the impression that something is being revealed to the audience.
Handheld
This movement is commonly used in news reporting where the action must be followed quickly, there is no time to set up shots. It is often thought of as amateurish but can be effective in portraying the truth like a documentary or frantic confusion.
Panning
This is the movement of the camera in a horizontal sweep from one side of the scene to the other. A pan helps set the scene and can add susspense to the narrative as the audience scans the scene waiting to be shown something of importance.
Tracking/ Dollying
With this movement the camera moves along the ground- forward, backward, diagonally or from side to side. It could be mounted on a stand that is attached to a rail type track or on the back of a moving vehicle or a tripod with wheels know as a dolly. The latest invention is a Steadicam which is a gyroscopic camera mount that allows the camera to move on a mechanical arm. This method allows for steady shots at various angles. For the audience they feel as thought they are moving through the scene in a three dimensional way.
Crane
The crane shot allows the camera to move up and down a mechanical arm or crane. These shots give a feeling of entering or leaving a series of events, for example a crane shot up and away at the end of a scene give a feeling of finality.
Zoom
A zoom is similar to a tracking shot except the camera stays still and the lens does the work. The zoom can enlarge or magnify the subject, zooming in on a character suggests we should listen to them. This movement is unnatural to human movement though and should be used sparingly.
Tilt
A tilt movement swivels the camera up or down while it is mounted on the tripod. A vertical pan. This movement can help establish distance and give the impression that something is being revealed to the audience.
Handheld
This movement is commonly used in news reporting where the action must be followed quickly, there is no time to set up shots. It is often thought of as amateurish but can be effective in portraying the truth like a documentary or frantic confusion.
The Importance of Camera Movement
Camera movement is often overlooked in this video the Cinematographers discuss it's importance and explain how movements combine to make better scenes that tell the narrative effectively |
5 Tips For Better Film Composition
A comprehensive guide on how to make better videos. This tutorial is especially for beginners who want to learn how to make a more professional DSLR film. Topics are: Rule of Thirds, 180° Rule, Head Room, Lead Room, Fill Room etc. |
Mise-en-scene
Mise-en-scene explains why feature films are packed with information and every shot looks so rich in meaning. The expression is French for "put in the scene or frame" and refers to all the visual details a filmmaker can include in the screen image. This is the film's way of communicating a mass of information similar to the descriptive passage in a novel. The main elements of Mise-en-scene are setting, costume and make-up, acting and lighting all things the Director has control over.
Below is a video explaining how some of the elements of Mise-en-scene are used to give the audience background information that isn't spoken in the dialogue between characters. The link is a website that gives you a more in depth look at the elements of Mise-en-scene.
Below is a video explaining how some of the elements of Mise-en-scene are used to give the audience background information that isn't spoken in the dialogue between characters. The link is a website that gives you a more in depth look at the elements of Mise-en-scene.
TASK: Choose a scene from one of your favourite music videos and list the elements of mise-en-scene you notice. What is the purpose of these elements?
For example why does Sia use a child to portray a grownup role?
What does the lighting in the room tell us about the narrative? How has costuming represented the character? |
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SWAT CODES
When analysing film we can use SWAT Codes to help us make meaning of the film makers choices. Here is a video outlining the SWAT Codes |