Notes

Composition and Framing
Composition is where objects are placed and arranged in a shot - how we compose and put together a shot.

Rule of Thirds
Rule of thirds is where the points of interest are within in a picture -  where the lines cross. When you compose a shot you imagine a grid over it.

The Golden Mean
When composing a shot imagine a diagonal line over the top of it. Points of interest also occur along this line.

Framing
Framing is what you choose to include in the shot and what you decide to leave out. You have to look how much space is given around the subject. What you leave out can be important, a thriller might exclude objects to create tension.

Camera Shots

.Extreme long shot - This is where the subject isn't clearly visible. The point is to show the subjects surroundings, it's often known as an "establishing shot".

. Long Shot- The subject takes up almost the full frame. It can be used to show a character in their environment.

.Midshot - This shows part of the subject in detail, usually from the waist up. This works well when a character is speaking information.

Medium Close up - This is half way between a midshot and a close up.

Close up - This is where a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. This is a useful shot to show detail.

Extreme close up - In this shot you get right in a show extreme detail. It can show important detail on a subject and there needs to be a reason to get this close.

Cutaway - A cutaway is a shot which is usually used to show something other than action. It's also used to buffer between shots.

Two shot - This is good for establishing relationships between two things and could also involve movement or action.

Over the Shoulder Shot - This is framed from behind the person. The person whom is facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame.

Noddy Shot - This shot is common in interviews. It involves the person listening or reacting to the subject.

Point of View Shots - This shot shows a view from the subjects perspective. It is usually edited so that you know who's point of view it is.

Camera Movements

Low Angle Shot - This shot is taken from below the object, looking up at it. This gives the subject a sense of power as it looks bigger,

High Angle Shot - This shot is taken from above the subject, looking down at it. This gives a sense of helplessness,

Tracking Shot - This is a shot which follows the subject. The camera moves on a dolly to follow the subject and gives a sense of speed whilst moving with the action.  

Pan shot - This is where the camera moves from left to right on a tripod following the subject.

Tilt - This is where the camera tilts vertically up and down which gives a sense of size and height.

Canted Angle -  This is where the camera position is not straight towards the subject. This gives a sense of chaos or insanity.

Zoom in/out - Focuses in on particular detail and highlights certain objects.

Steadicam/handheld - This is where the camera moves with the action and gives the viewer  a sense of realism.

Crane Shot - This is a high angle shot looking down on the subject, The crane can track, pan and tilt. It gives a sense of scale.

Aerial Shot - This is where the camera is positioned upon a plan or helicopter