Composition Archives

Shooting

The close-up shot: Why it’s so important in cinema

The close-up shot is a power tool in cinema. In various ways, it helps the audience emotionally connect with what they're watching on-screen.

Shooting

What is an establishing shot in film?

Nicole LaJeunesse

Establish shots are more than just opening shots. They help films communicate the underlying context of a scene.

Editing

How to use false color in your next project

Michael Walsh

False color is one of the best techniques you can use to expose your shots correctly. Here's how to use it on your video projects.

Composition

Understanding and applying the medium shot

Chuck Peters

I can’t help but feel that whoever named the medium shot did it a vast injustice. In most real-life situations, people equate the term...

Composition

Everything you need to know about depth of field

Michael Walsh

What is depth of field? Let’s start by determining what it is not. Depth of field is not a tangible thing. Depth of field...

Composition

Cinematography terms you need to know

Gareth Taylor

There are many working parts when it comes to cinematography. We'll give you the most important cinematography terms you need to know.

Composition

Everything you need to know about blocking

Kyle Cassidy

Writers spend most of their time worrying about the words that the characters on the screen will say. Sound engineers worry about how to...

Composition

A close reading of “Citizen Kane” reveals how deep focus deepens the narrative

Nicole LaJeunesse

Narrative space is the constructed environment in which a story takes place. Unlike real space, narrative space is necessarily and inherently fragmented. Pieces of...

Shooting

Capturing magic on video: How to shoot magic tricks

Sean Berry

Translating live magic tricks onto video can be difficult. In this article, we will give you a few tips for capturing magic on video.

Shooting

Shooting video during golden hour: What you need to know

Sean Berry

Often described as magical, golden hour is the most desired time to shoot for many videographers. However, it's also one of the most difficult times as well.