How To Shoot a Cinematic Dance Video Part.3
Introduction
Welcome to episode number three, where we dive deep into the world of composition. Understanding composition is essential for any budding cinematographer, as it involves the thoughtful arrangement of elements within the frame and their relationships to each other, enriching the overall meaning of the shot.
What is Composition?
Composition is the strategic placement and arrangement of elements within the frame. It influences how viewers interpret and emotionally respond to your video. As beginners, especially those who are self-taught (like myself), there’s a tendency to center everything in the frame. However, effective composition often means breaking away from this habit.
The Common Mistake
Centering subjects is a frequent mistake for beginners. I, too, made this error often. Overcoming this instinct can significantly elevate the cinematic quality of your videos.
Key Principles of Cinematic Composition
1. The Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a foundational principle in composition. Imagine your camera frame divided into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines.
Implementation:
Instead of placing your subject right in the middle, position it along these lines or at their intersections. This small adjustment can add substantial visual interest and a more cinematic feel to your video.
2. Leading Lines
Leading lines are your secret weapon to draw the viewer’s attention precisely where you want it. These lines can be either real (like roads or bridges) or imaginary lines that guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject.
Example:
For instance, the structure of a tunnel or the barriers of a bridge can serve as lines leading the viewer’s eye directly to the dancer. This technique not only highlights your subject but also makes the shot dynamically interesting.
3. Balance
And number three, number three is balance. And I mean balancing the elements within the frame, like your dancers, props or even the background to create a visually stunning composition.
Example:
Okay, so let’s have a closer look at this shot. We have two dancers on each side of the frame, creating a sense of balance and symmetry. Also, the structure of the building adds depth to the image.
More Advanced Techniques
4. Symmetry
All right. Number four: symmetrical symmetry is cool. Let’s think about Wes Anderson. With all those symmetrical shots in his movies, it’s like giving your viewers a visual treat that they can’t resist.
Example:
So let’s go back to the shot of our dancer at the bridge. As you can see, she’s placed right in the center of the frame, which creates perfect symmetry between the right and left sides of the shot.
5. Frame within a Frame
Number five is the last principle of composition in this episode, which is the frame within a frame. So basically it’s like shooting through a doorway, a window, or any cool element that gives your video more depth and makes it feel like your audience is getting a peek into a whole new world.
Example:
Let’s go back to the shot of our dancer. As you can see, the structure of the tunnel creates a frame within a frame. Another example is that opening shot from a dance video, where I shoot through the doors to create a frame, and I use it as an opening title scene.
Conclusion
And that’s it for today! So next time when you’re out there filming some sick dance moves, don’t forget to play with these techniques. Have fun experimenting and stay tuned for more tips on how to make your videos more cinematic.
To see the full video of Episode 3 ‘How To Shoot A Cinematic Dance Video‘ click the button below.