6 Rules of Video Composition (and Why Not to Break Them)

06/20/2016Link2

In the following video, Doug Guerra, from B&H, introduces six basic rules of video composition. Covering concepts such as the Rule of Thirds, headroom, and the 180-Degree Rule, Guerra explains what the rules are and why they should be followed. Once you know the rules, you can produce better-looking video content, as well as know how and when to break the rules. We hope you enjoy the video, and invite you to view the wide selection of other instructional and informative videos at BandH.com.

 

Comments

2 Comments

David Heeley
6 years ago

Excellent.

There are so many so-called "professionals" who need to see this. It's all pretty basic stuff that anyone should know before being allowed out with a camera. How many times have we seen interviews in which both participants appear not to be talking to each other? Even if the journalist or newbie film-maker is unaware of these rules, the cameraperson should be offering advice. 

David Heeeley
6 years ago

Another thought:

If the subject's eyes are in the right place (roughly 1/3 from the top of frame, as this video recommends), the headroom will be automatically correct. This applies also the closeups and extreme closeups. Do not be afraid to cut off the top of the head when framing a closeup (unless the subject matter concerns hats or hair styles).

Some believe that good closeup framing is when the top of the head touches the top of rame, and the bottom of the chin touches the bottom of frame. In fact this always looks and feels strange, because the eyes will be too low. There is no hard and fast rule about the placement of eyes, but once they get as low as the half-way postition, the compostion will start to feel off.