THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE
& HOW TO TELL A STORY
Sallie Gardner at a Gallop’ is sometimes considered to be one of the earliest films ever produced when it was released on June 15th, 1878. Twenty-four photographs of a horse and its jockey were played rapidly in succession, creating the illusion of motion when viewed through an old-time zoopraxiscope.
Since then, filmmakers have broken out their creativity and established a number of essential shots for depicting emotion through a lens. Today, we are taking a look at a number of these typical cinematic camera shots and angles to learn how they could be incorporated into still photography.
Since then, filmmakers have broken out their creativity and established a number of essential shots for depicting emotion through a lens. Today, we are taking a look at a number of these typical cinematic camera shots and angles to learn how they could be incorporated into still photography.
THE ASSIGNMENT
For each perspective technique you will be expected to create 2 unique and original photos that demonstrate that specific technique. You will create a google slide document that will house all of the techniques in one document, submit to schoology. See my example below.
For each perspective technique you will be expected to create 2 unique and original photos that demonstrate that specific technique. You will create a google slide document that will house all of the techniques in one document, submit to schoology. See my example below.
THE MEDIUM SHOT
The medium shot may be similar to many of your typical photographs. A subject is captured from around the knees or waist to the top of the head. We can’t see their entire body, but we are close enough to establish a primary connection with the person. We can view aspects of the background that have been permitted to appear in the frame. Medium shots are the baseline of where we will begin. Not always the most interesting, but medium shots are fundamental.
THE LONG SHOT
The long or wide shot (WS) brings the subject closer while still emphasizing the surroundings.
Each camera shot will have plenty of space above and below, while still keeping the subject in view.
Wide shots let the audience experience the character and the scenery making it ideal for big cinematic moments.
Each camera shot will have plenty of space above and below, while still keeping the subject in view.
Wide shots let the audience experience the character and the scenery making it ideal for big cinematic moments.
THE CLOSE UP
|
|
A close-up shot shows audiences the subject's emotions and their reactions to events. The camera frame solely focuses on the subject's face. Often the background appears a little out of focus to ensure all attention is on the subject. The best close-ups reveal the smallest emotions while still keeping the subject in sharp focus.
Interesting Article: Close-Up Shots: a Guide for Filmmakers and Actors
Interesting Article: Close-Up Shots: a Guide for Filmmakers and Actors
EXTREM CLOSE UP
An ECU extreme shot is effective for drama and comedy. The subject is extremely close and the focal point of the frame. Extreme close-ups draw attention to smaller details like the eyes, nose, or mouth. It can also emphasize a change that is occurring to the character. One example can be found in the movie Black San when the title character begins to grow feathers on her back.
- To focus in on a specific portion of the subject.
- To signal an important sensory moment in a scene.
- To communicate tiny details too small to notice.
Dutch Angle
Dutch angles can help to tell us something about the photograph or its subject is not entirely right. Typically used to depict the world on its side, Dutch angles can be artfully utilized to tell us that something is wrong. You can use the Dutch tilt to disorient the audience, show a subject's mental state unraveling, or to increase viewers' level of suspense and tension. Maybe the subject is in danger, or their state of mind isn’t properly grounded.
|
|
Over the Shoulder & Through Shot
An over the shoulder shot can be used to show a relationship between another persona and our subject. We take a position next to the main subject getting close-up in their space and viewing the world as if we were standing with them.The over the shoulder position places us within the world of the documented subject.
Example: We are photographing a man looking into the eyes of his partner for the first time. From behind the man we feel as if we are standing with him and living through the moment. The framing of the man’s shoulder and his partner center frame tells us that there is a relationship between the two people.
Example: We are photographing a man looking into the eyes of his partner for the first time. From behind the man we feel as if we are standing with him and living through the moment. The framing of the man’s shoulder and his partner center frame tells us that there is a relationship between the two people.
High Angle / Birds Eye View
Looking at the exact opposite situation, the high angle can be used to make a subject appear small or vulnerable. Commonly known as the ‘bird’s-eye view’, shots like these may be used to signal that a subject is in danger or has lost dominance in their environment. Add a dutch angle and something bad is almost certainly about to happen.
Example: A child is photographed while they sit scared in a corner. By capturing the image from a high angle, the child looks small and weak. The high angle tells us that the subject being photographed is small when compared to the rest of the world.
Example: A child is photographed while they sit scared in a corner. By capturing the image from a high angle, the child looks small and weak. The high angle tells us that the subject being photographed is small when compared to the rest of the world.
Low Angle Ants Eye View
Taking a photograph from a low angle, also know as a ‘worm’s-eye view’, makes subjects appear larger than normal. The lens sees the scene from a point of humility while the subject towers over the world. A photograph taken from a low angle to help establish dominance or power.
Example: A man is photographed in a business suit inside his company’s office. The low angle makes him appear large relative to the room. We can feel a sense of control and dominance as he stands over the camera.
Example: A man is photographed in a business suit inside his company’s office. The low angle makes him appear large relative to the room. We can feel a sense of control and dominance as he stands over the camera.