Composition Basics Page 2
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Over the Shoulder Shot: This shot is very common when two characters are having a discussion and will
usually follow an establishing shot which helps the audience place the characters in their setting. It retains
the identification with the subject but adds context to the relationships of characters or subjects being
interviewed.
Head On: This is a shot in which the action comes directly toward or at the camera. This is most often
seen with web camera presentations and on-camera demonstrations. The effect is the subject in the frame
is talking directly to the viewer.
Tails Away: This is a shot in which the action moves directly away from the camera.
Walk, run, or drive-by: This is a shot where the camera is fixed as the subject walks across the field of
view.
Dynamic Shot: The camera is used to reveal information, mimic the point of view of a character, infuse
energy to an otherwise static scene, create anxiety or disorientation in the viewer.
Static Shot: This shot has no camera movement.
The next three are very self-evident.
One shot / Single: This is a shot of a single person.
Two shot: This is a composition of two people in a frame.
Three shot: It refers to a medium shot that contains three people.
Camera Angles
A scene may be shot from several camera angles. Camera angles describe the specific location at which a camera
is placed for framing a shot. Camera angle shows the relation to the subject and affects the viewer perception of
that subject. Camera angles can amplify the dramatic impact of the scene. They also contribute significantly to how
your audience will perceive your presenter or interview subject. Shooting down on your subject, even slightly, will
have a profound impact on credibility, integrity and importance. These angles are often used to demonstrate the
power relationship to the audience.
High Angle: Looking down upon a subject. The camera points down on the action, to make the subject
appear smaller. This angle will diminish a character. The character/s will look vulnerable or small.
Eye-Level Angle: Most interviews and presentations are shot at eye-level. Placing your camera at the
same height as your subject’s eyes puts the viewer on an equal footing with the character/s. This is the
most common angle as it allows the viewers to feel neutral about the presentation.
Low Angle: Looking up at a subject. The camera points up at the action, making the subject appear
larger. This is the opposite of a high angle. It elevates the stature of a character in the story and makes
them look more powerful.
Bird Eye View: Looking directly down upon a scene or subject and mostly used to give an overall
establishing shot of a scene.
Visual Aesthetics
As filmmakers it is best to follow basic principles in visual arts in order to maintain the visual aesthetics. The two
important visual principles are ‘The Rule of Thirds’ and ‘The 180 Degree Rule’:
The Rule of Thirds: The design principle works on the theory that an unbalanced composition will be
more interesting and dynamic. When composing a shot the director will divide the frame into nine equal
parts, using two horizontal and two vertical imaginary equidistant lines. A starting point for composition
involves placing the subject on an intersection of one of these points.
The 180 Degree Rule/Crossing the Axis: This rule is about the camera placement during a scene to
ensure a consistent screen direction. It is best understood in the context of an interview. When you cross
the axis of 180 degree in camera placement, it will appear that the characters are facing the same
direction, not facing each other. The camera is the audience, and if you imagine your location as a stage
you can choose a direction that is always the background and a direction where you will place the camera.
Shooting for Sequences
A sequence is a series of related shots designed to tell a story or idea. A sequence contains a variety of camera
shots and angles that advance the action and narrative of your scene. This is true for all filmmaking, not just
features and shorts.
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