Composition Techniques

Composition Techniques are used in photography and movie making to add interest. Using different composition techniques will keep the viewers interested and allow them to see things from a different perspective. The main four techniques are Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, and Unusual Angles.

Rule of Thirds is when you mentally split your image into nine sections. Two horizontal lines and two vertical lines are equally sectioning the picture. To use the rule of thirds technique place your subject on one of the line intersections. Rule of Thirds is a commonly used technique, especially for interviews. 

When using the Leading Lines technique you need to find lines in your image that lead your eyes to a subject or just into the distance. Examples of leading lines could be a bridge, fence, or a train track. Usually leading lines start from the bottom of the image and lead your eyes outward to the main subject. Sometimes there is nothing the lines are leading to, the leading lines themselves could be the subject of the image. 

The framing technique can be achieved by using other objects in your picture to frame the subject. For example, filming through a window. To use the framing techinque you need to put your subject in a natural border. Framing is used to give the image more depth and keep the viewer focused on the framed subject.

Three Shot Sequence

Three Shot Sequence is an essential part in good movie making. The three shot types are wide, medium, and close-up. The wide shot is used to show the area and environment around the subject. Then the medium shot will provide more detail of the scene and gets closer to the subject. Usually medium shots are shown to give the viewer a general overview. Next the close-up is used, this is where your camera should be close to the subject and get details that couldn't be seen in the medium and wide shots. Sequencing is very important, different shots are telling the same story in a different perspective; this keeps the viewer interested. 

 

WIDE SHOT

 

MEDIUM SHOT

CLOSE-UP

Personal Reflection: Practice Story

Our assignment was to create a short story about a topic, we choose "Deshaynee plays soccer". The goal was to have a story that was clear, direct, and interesting. My teammates were Kuulei and Deshaynee. It was important to have good interview and B-roll footage. The voiceovers were another big part of this project.

Personally I think we did well on our Practice Story. When we first filmed B-roll footage it wasn't very good. Some parts had camera movement and we could barely make a sequence with it. So we decided to just focus on the interview and editing what we could. After using the whole class period to edit what we had and do the voiceovers, all we needed was new B-Roll footage. During advisory the next day we filmed, then edited the new parts during class.

In the end we got our video in on time and met the requirements. I think the reason we were able to finish it was because everyone in my group participated and helped. I edited, Kuulei worked on the Transcript, and Deshaynee would help out with both. When we needed to get something done, we tried to do it as soon as possible; which also made a difference. Overall this project was a success.