Framing and Composition

In today's lesson, we learned the importance of framing and composition. This refers to the placement of elements within the restriction of the frame. Good composition requires a balance between the focal point, the foreground/ background and any subjects present, which supplement the mise-en-scene. Arranging colours and shapes which complement each other well can create a much more appealing shot.
Examples from existing indie music videos are shown below each key aspect of framing and composition: 

The Rule of Thirds 

The rule of thirds describes the alignment of a subject in a 3x3 grid, with the object of interest lying at the intersection points. By observing the rule of thirds, the shot becomes more interesting and artistic. Having the focal point placed off-centre makes the shot appear more natural. Placing the focal point of interest near the edges, creates eye movement and a natural sense of following. This is considered to be more visually stimulating and can therefore create a much more captivating shot. It also encourages us to make creative decisions on the negative space around the object.

Amber Run - I Found

Central focal point 

On the other hand, by placing the focal point of the shot in the centre, the eye is immediately drawn towards it. The central placement of an object is considered static as the equal distance on all sides implies that there is nowhere for the eye to follow. Having large amounts of empty space around the subject creates a balance and allows the subject to dominate the shot.

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

Eyeline Rule / Headroom 

In close up shots, it is a general rule that the eyes should be positioned 1/3 of the way down the frame and should almost never be allowed to drop below the central line. It is also key to allow headroom, to give a relaxed feel to the shot. Too much headroom will be too spacious and may draw the viewers attention away from the focal point, while too little headroom can appear cramped and uneasy on the eye.

Shura - Touch

HAIM - Forever

Leading Space

Good leading space is achieved, when an object is on the either the left or right-hand side of the frame. When shooting a person, the leading space should be in the direction that a person is looking, to create a sense of interactivity and fluid movement. This allows the viewers eyes to follow the eyes of the subject across the frame. If the leading space is empty, it can suggest freedom and openness.

Glass Animals - Hazey

Encompassing/ surrounding subject

Encompassing or surrounding a subject with something else, can complement the focal point of interest to ensure it demands attention. Extra subjects, distributed evenly around the figure, can help to balance the composition of a shot and create a sense of authority or formality within the frame.

Seafret - Oceans

Geometric Lines

Vertical and horizontal lines create a sense of peace, with the eyes of the viewer crossing the image in a linear way. The use of such lines allows fluidity and smooth motion, as there are less intersections and therefore minimal distractions.

Lana Del Rey - Burning Desire

Diagonal lines create perspective, as they intersect with other lines in the shot. Various intersects can help add depth to a photo, while also drawing the eyes across the shot, usually towards a focal point. This suggests a sense of action and emphasizes the prominence of the focal point when the eyes finally reach it, make the image feel more dynamic and three dimensional.

OneRepublic - Counting Stars

Other geometric lines can be manipulated, such a S lines which lead the viewers eyes across the frame in a continuous and graceful manner, making the image appear more artistic and elegant.

Tame Impala - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

The Golden Ratio 

The Golden Ratio defines a spiral pattern that shows up repeatedly in Nature, in everything from sea shells to the galaxy itself. It is coined as 'nature's number' because it occurs so frequently, and it can therefore be used to mimic the balance of organic objects. Fibonacci's Spiral creates the illusion of a natural flow, leading the viewer around the frame in an refined arc, which is considered to be visually appealing.

Banks - This Is What It Feels Like

The Weeknd - Belong To The World

We can apply these techniques when filming, using the gridlines on our camera setup or arranging the composition of elements in our frame beforehand, to create more a visually exciting sequence of shots in our music video.