The Divine Proportion Balancing the Golden Rule (page 2)

Exceptions to the Rule

Once you have a good handle on the rules, you can think about breaking them. Ignoring these compositional guidelines is a trick you can employ to convey tension in the shot when the situation calls for it.

In general, a subject talking on screen is speaking across the frame with a fair amount of breathing room in front. If you want to immediately create tension, you can take away the breathing room and have your subject speak directly into the edge of the frame.

This technique instantly creates tension, because the subject appears suffocated. It also denies the viewer valuable information about what or whom the subject is addressing off-frame.

The Eyes Have It

You'll notice that the Rule of Thirds doesn't line up exactly with the Divine Proportion. But when you compare them against each other, it's clear there isn't a huge difference between the two. Seeing where the sweet spots lie in both formulas does offer some good insight into how to compose your shots. Given that all art is ultimately subjective, you'll need to come to your own conclusions as to what placement works best for you.

Knowing how to create a well-balanced composition is an important tool for every videographer. Like anything worth doing, it takes practice. Eventually, you'll find yourself gravitating towards well-composed shots that accentuate, rather than distract from, the interesting or emotional aspects of your subject matter.

That said, your shots may look terrific, despite ignoring the guidelines. It's all in the eyes of the beholder.

If you think your shot compositions could use some help, these guidelines are an excellent place to start.

James Williams is both an independent filmmaker and a video journalist.