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Explore the intricacies of camera techniques that create the illusion of depth in two-dimensional video. This comprehensive guide covers crucial methods such as focusing, zooming, and composing shots that enhance the visual narrative. Learn how to effectively use digital zoom, dolly moves, pans, and tilts to engage viewers. Discover important aspects of shot composition, including the rule of thirds, headroom, and visual weight, that help to craft compelling visuals. Perfect for filmmakers looking to elevate their craft and create immersive experiences.
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Video Camera Technique Creating the illusion Of 3 dimensions In a 2-D medium
FOCUS • zoom in on object/subject as far as possible find area of contrast • focus • zoom out and frame (COMPOSE) your shot • ... this works for stationary objects only
ZOOM • Lengthening and shortening the lens "in" - longer, closer "out" - shorter, farther away make sure the zoom is 'motivated,’ has purpose • Avoid the tendency to 'overzoom.' • Well-composed start and finish • Usually requires a pan and tilt with the zoom
ZOOM • Digital zoom - selects and expands ("blows up") an increasingly smaller part of the image. • This leads to very close shots from far away but also produces digital noise in the form of pixels and grain.
ZOOM • Useful for far away shots where importance of image overrides concern for quality - that is, if you can live with a grainy image, use the digital zoom. • Can function as an artistic choice
ZOOM IN • pulls the viewer into the shot, into situation • more intimate and emotional (lines on the face, tension, sweat)
ZOOM IN • narrows the angle of view which eliminates visual information at the sides of the frame Longer lens narrows the angle of view
ZOOM IN • longer lens yields shallower depth of field, throws the background out of focus • good for depth - narrows the angle of view which eliminates visual information at the sides of the frame • "forces" audience to view fewer items in the frame
ZOOM OUT • reveals information to the viewer that they couldn't see with the tighter shot, allows space, reveals other characters or objects in the scene • allows more space for actor movement
ZOOM OUT • Short lens widens the angle of view
DOLLY • DOLLY - movement of entire cam toward or away from the subject • Similar to a zoom but with a different effect - keeps the same 'angle of view' throughout the camera move • "participant" or POV orientation as camera moves through the scene
PAN • Left/right movement of camera head on stationary cam. mount (either tripod or on the shoulder of videographer) • Suggests 'observer' role (compared to a 'truck') - action 'passes by' the camera
TRUCK • Left/right movement of entire camera • Usually mounted on a rolling platform (dolly) but may be handheld • As cam follows along-side the action, allows viewer to participate in the moving scene (Indiana Jones fighting on a moving truck, Olympic sprinters)
TILT, ARC • Tilt - up/down movement of camera head on stationary cam. mount tilt - up/down movement of camera head on stationary cam mount • Arc - left/right arching movement of camera
Basic shot descriptions • Extreme long shot (XLS, ELS ) • cam very far away from the subject (often an "establishing" shot) • sets overall context, shows location of action • exterior" on drama or sitcom, blimp shot at sporting event • Long shots - dramatic, landscape, don't translate well to TV
Basic shot descriptions • Long shot (LS) • camera far from the subject, may include all talent and props in the shot • sets context, shows relationships • all players in a basketball game, shot from back of Letterman's studio
Basic shot descriptions • Medium shot (MS) • fairly close, "interpersonal" distance • shows most of a person or people • may be more specific - 2S, 3S • shows relationships, close-enough to feel "in the action"
Basic shot descriptions • Close-up (CU) • close shot, framed tightly, only part of subject seen • variations: bust shot, tight shot • emotional, necessary on TV (small screen)
Basic shot descriptions • Extreme close-up ( ECU, XCU) • very close, extreme detail • The tighter the shot, the more "emotional"
Composition • Balance - strive for visual balance in most shots • ***Rule of thirds - divide the screen into vertical and horizontal thirds • Place key objects on those thirds • Follow rule of thirds on every shot!
Composition • Headroom - room above talent's head • Leadroom - space in frame in front of talent into which talent moves (e.g., pan) • Lookspace - space in frame IN FRONT of talent into which talent looks
Composition • Visual "weight" (and therefore balance) determined by size, color and placement of objects in the frame. • LARGER objects carry more "weight • - also, foreground increases size • BRIGHTER objects carry more "weight” • white, yellow, etc...
Composition • CLOSER TO THE EDGE equals more "weight” • - small, but near edge = "weight”
Other composition considerations • Symmetrical balance not required • Nonsymmetrical framing acceptable in limited situations • Landscapes, large horizontal objects look better off-center • Background clutter - avoid it, distracts from the foreground • Limit camera motion - smooth, steady, avoid tendency to over zoom
Composition • Psychological Closure - frame shots so that viewers can "mentally" fill-in the parts that extend off-screen • Entire object does NOT need to be on-screen • Framing can "suggest" continuation
Composition • Framing people - avoid cutting people off at natural "cut points” • knees, waist, ankles, elbows, bust • frame to suggest "closure," continuation off-screen
Composition • Foreground framing - use objects in the foreground to frame the subject • adds depth, more interesting • Over the shoulder (O/S, OTS) • Shot of one person framed over the other's shoulder (good for interviews)
Composition • Rack focus - "move" the depth of field from one object to another by adjusting focus ring • Aspect ratio • U.S. TV = 4 x 3 (1.33:1) • Film, HDTV = 16 x 9 (1.78:1) • But shot with 4x3 in mind for TV