BV IV: Composition Basics I

Following the past entries about introducing vlogging, or video blogging, these posts are intended to get more expats into making videos to share with one another.

After discussing most of the technical matters in filming, it is finally time to talk about my favorite lesson, composition.  Please keep in mind that these are merely guidelines which are usually followed and they are by no means absolutes, as sometimes breaking the “rules” gives you a much better effect. Still, following these some of these guidelines will make your pieces a much more polished look.

Let’s start with a quick introduction regarding setup.

1) Using a Tripod

Nothing can turn off a viewer  faster than a video where the camera shakes constantly, use a tripod if possible.

If:

• you don’t have a tripod available, you can either place the cam on something while recording.
• you are the one recording and you don’t have a tripod available, use the edges of an object to lean against, this will minimize movement.

Don’t forget to use image stabilization if your cam has it!

Be sure to hold the cam with both hands, with one hand holding the bottom with your palms upward, this will definitely add stability to your shots.

The Rule of Thirds

Imagine that your video is a grid composed of 4 lines creating a grid. For some reason or another, when your subject lays on the intersections of these lines, the picture looks alot more pleasing to the eye than if you were to place it in the dead center.

It is not to say that your subject must always be on these intersections, but for the most part, following this guideline will give you a much better picture.

• Keep people’s eyes on the upper 1/3 of the video, otherwise it may feel imbalanced.

• Aim to keep horizons on the lower 1/3 of the video.

Eyes on top line.

The sky falls on the upper 2/3s, while the ground (horizon) lays on the lower 1/3. Also known as the Golden Section.

• Not always the case, sometimes it’s best when these are inverted when you want more emphasis on the foreground.

Strong foreground emphasis.

Lead Lines

If there are any lines in your scene, you can help them  guide you towards the subject of interest. Peoples eyes naturally follow the lines. But beware, they can also lead peoples eyes away from your subject.

Following the lines points towards your subject.

Natural Frames

Whenever possible, try getting a shot from natural frames, or objects in the environment that wrap around your scene.

The leaves and branches creating a frame around your shot.

Juxtaposition and Balance

They are not the same thing but for simplicity’s sake, we will treat them related as.  When framing your shots, having two contrasting elements can add to the balance of your scene. Thing of it as good vs evil, rich vs poor, Korean vs expat. It is not something that you might come by very often, but always good to make use of when you find it.

Good ol’juxtaposition.

Balance

Regarding balance, imagine you have a shot of a person on one side of the room, but the other side has nothing. You do not have to have another person on the other side to balance things out, something as simple as some picture frames might do the trick.  Aim for not having one part of your scene “weigh” more than another.

The bench balances out the person on the bike, opposite side.

Better Vlogging series:

Better Vlogging I: Choosing the right Camera

Better Vlogging II: Sound and Microphones

Better Vlogging III: Know your Camera

Better Vlogging V: Composition Basics II

Better Vlogging VI: Editing

Better Vlogging VII: Software Coming Soon!