Look, I'm no artist and I'm not a photographer.
Hell, I'm not even a very good videographer.
But I do know one thing...
This shot is boring!
Just like in a game of tic-tac-toe, the center square is not always your best move.
Next up, we'll spend a quick minute talking about framing and shot composition
I'm Videopia!
(techno music opening)
Okay, so the center square is boring,
but how should you frame a basic head-shot?
Well, here is nice.
Or here.
It's also legal in 37 states and Puerto Rico to cut off the top of a man's head.
But don't cut off his chin!
Square television frame composition differs a bit from wide-screen tv and even
wider movie screens.
And of course, the background is usually important.
For example, horizons that cut the screen in half are boring.
Most camcorders have a guide frame overlay that you can toggle on and help with basic
composition. But taking it to the next level might mean going to the bookstore
and browsing through the art, photography, and painting section.
Even easier, watch some tv or movies
and instead of just vegging out,
pay attention to the composition and framing.
Videography is a unique and amazing 3D art form!
Flattened down to a 2 dimensional screen and then expanded to the 4th dimension of
time and motion.
While you can learn the basics in a minute,
it definitely takes a lifetime to master.
Whatever you call it, tic-tac-toe, guides, frames, the rule of thirds,
Just keep it interesting and remember,
you can't break the rules if you don't know what they are!
(cymbal music fx)