Framing Good Shots (page 2)

The Background

Many composition pitfalls lie in the subject's environment. Trees and phone poles, vases or pictures on walls may all cause problems.

Be aware of lampposts, trees or other such objects that are directly behind your subject. A flagpole protruding from the top of an actor's head looks ridiculous, as does a vase that may seem to be balanced on someone's shoulder. Likewise, a power line running through the frame may appear to be going in one of your subject's ears, and out the other. It's best to steer clear of any such visual distractions.

Even if these objects are not directly behind your subject, they can still cause problems. A lamppost running vertically through the middle of the frame will not only disrupt the balance achieved by the Rule of Thirds, it can also isolate or box-in the subject. It may also take away the look room that you've built into the shot. Be aware of these background objects, and work to avoid them whenever possible.

Framing Using Objects

While objects in the background can cause problems, objects placed in the foreground can lend a hand. This technique can add depth and character to your shot.

Try using something in the environment to obstructed part of your shot. Place a piece of furniture in your foreground and shoot past it by framing it to the extreme right or left. You can shoot through open doors, where the doorjamb frames the edges of the screen.

Be careful, however, not to over-do it. Using the environment to frame your shots should not be so blatant as to distract from what is happening in the scene.

The Ultimate Goal

Good composition is a means to an end. When it's done well, the audience should not notice it. Instead it should help create a mood, or at the very least, a sense of normalcy and stability. The next time you watch a movie, pay attention to how the cinematographer frames the shots. You'll notice that they use the rule of thirds as their foundation, and build from there.