10 Days of Practice

Building Strong Foundations

Each day introduces a core shot type along with a framing principle.

Day 1: The Establishing Shot & Leading Lines

Purpose: Set up the environment and direct the viewer’s attention.

1. Wide or Extreme Wide Shots to Establish Setting

Definition: These shots capture a broad view of a scene, often used to establish the environment or setting.

Example: In "The Martian," wide shots are used to depict the vastness of Mars, emphasizing the protagonist's isolation.

Resource: The Wide Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

2. Leading Lines (Roads, Fences, Hallways, Architecture) to Guide the Eye

Definition: Leading lines are compositional elements that direct the viewer's attention toward a specific point in the frame.

Example: In Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," the hallway carpets create leading lines guiding the viewer's eye down the corridor, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere.

Resource: What Are Leading Lines — Composition in Photography & Film

Video Explanation: How to Use Leading Lines for Better Filmmaking Composition

3. Static vs. Slow Push-In to Compare Their Effects

Definition:

• Static Shot: The camera remains fixed in one position without movement.

• Slow Push-In: The camera slowly moves closer to the subject, often used to create intimacy or tension.

Example: In "The Godfather," a slow push-in is used during Michael Corleone's transformation scene, intensifying the viewer's connection to his internal conflict.

Resource: What Is a Push In Shot In Film? Definition and Examples

4. Experiment with Low and High Angles

Definition:

• Low Angle: The camera is positioned below the subject, looking up, often to convey power or dominance.

• High Angle: The camera is positioned above the subject, looking down, often to convey vulnerability or subordination.

Example: In "The Dark Knight," low angles are used to portray the imposing nature of Batman, while high angles depict the vulnerability of his adversaries.

Resource: Camera Angles: List of the Different Types of Camera Shot Angles in Film

Day 2: The Close-up & Rule of Thirds

Purpose: Highlight emotion and detail.

1. Rule of Thirds for Subject Placement (Eyes on the Top Third)

Definition: The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that divides an image into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal and vertical lines. Positioning the subject's eyes along the top third line creates a balanced and engaging composition.

Example: In portrait photography, placing the subject's eyes on the top third line draws the viewer's attention and creates a natural focal point.

Resource: The Rule of Thirds in Photography – How to Improve Composition

2. Using Lighting to Emphasize Facial Features or Textures

Definition: Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting or softening facial features and textures, thereby influencing the mood and perception of the subject.

Example: Rembrandt lighting, characterized by a small triangle of light on the cheek, adds depth and dimension to portraits, emphasizing facial contours.

Resource: Lighting Patterns in Photography: The Rembrandt Lighting Setup

3. Extreme Close-Up (Eyes, Hands, Significant Objects)

Definition: An extreme close-up shot frames a subject very closely, often focusing on a specific detail such as an eye, a hand, or a significant object, to convey intense emotion or importance.

Example: In the film "Requiem for a Dream," extreme close-ups of the characters' eyes and drug paraphernalia intensify the portrayal of addiction.

Resource: Extreme Close-Up Shots: Creative Examples That Work

4. Centered vs. Off-Center Close-Ups to Compare Impact

Definition: The placement of a subject within the frame—centered or off-center—affects the composition's balance and the viewer's emotional response.

Example: A centered close-up can convey stability or confrontation, while an off-center close-up, adhering to the rule of thirds, often creates a more dynamic and visually appealing composition.

Resource: The Rule of Thirds: Definition in Film & 6 Examples to Master It

Day 3: Over-the-Shoulder & Depth of Field

Purpose: Establish interaction and create a sense of intimacy.

1. Shallow Depth of Field (Sharp Focus on Subject, Blurred Background)

Definition: A shallow depth of field refers to a photography technique where only a small portion of the image is in sharp focus—typically the subject—while the background and foreground are blurred. This effect draws attention to the subject and is achieved by using a wide aperture (low f-number).

Example: In portrait photography, a close-up of a person's face with their eyes in sharp focus and the background softly blurred.

Resource: Understanding Shallow Depth of Field Photography | Adobe

2. Over-the-Shoulder Shot in Conversation or Action

Definition: An over-the-shoulder (OTS) shot is a filming technique where the camera is positioned behind one character, focusing on another character or action. This shot establishes spatial relationships and is commonly used in dialogue scenes to connect characters.

Example: In "The Godfather," the opening scene utilizes over-the-shoulder shots to introduce Vito Corleone, enhancing the viewer's connection to the characters.

Resource: Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles | StudioBinder

Video Example: Over the Shoulder Shot - The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

3. Playing with Foreground Elements to Frame the Subject

Definition: Incorporating objects in the foreground to create a natural frame around the main subject, adding depth and focus to the composition.

Example: Using tree branches, doorways, or windows to surround the subject, drawing the viewer's eye toward it.

Resource: Foreground Elements in Photography & Composition: Essential Guide

4. Variations with Soft and Hard Focus

Definition:

• Soft Focus: A technique where the image is intentionally blurred or lacks sharpness, creating a dreamy or romantic effect.

• Hard Focus: An image where all elements are in sharp, clear focus, providing a realistic and detailed representation.

Example: Soft focus is often used in portrait photography to smooth skin tones and create an ethereal look, while hard focus is utilized in landscape photography to ensure both the foreground and background are in sharp detail.

Resource: Hard Light vs. Soft Light: What's the Difference? | Photography Life

Day 4: The Moving Camera & Dynamic Composition

Purpose: Add motion for storytelling.

1. Tracking Shots (Following a Subject)

Definition: A tracking shot involves moving the camera to follow a subject, maintaining the same distance throughout the motion. This technique creates a sense of movement and allows the audience to stay engaged with the subject's actions.

Example: In "Goodfellas," there's a famous tracking shot where the camera follows Henry and Karen Hill through the Copacabana nightclub, immersing the audience in their experience.

Resource: 25 Best Tracking Shot Examples - StudioBinder

2. Camera Tilt or Dutch Angle for Tension

Definition: A Dutch angle, or tilt shot, involves tilting the camera off its horizontal axis, resulting in a slanted frame. This technique is often used to convey unease, tension, or disorientation.

Example: In "The Third Man," Dutch angles are used extensively to reflect the unstable and chaotic environment of post-war Vienna.

Resource: What is a Dutch Angle — Creative Camera Shots Explained

3. Slow Push-In or Pull-Out for Mood Shifts

Definition: A push-in involves slowly moving the camera closer to the subject, while a pull-out moves it away. These techniques can emphasize a character's realization, create intimacy, or signify isolation.

Example: In "Jaws," a slow push-in is used on Chief Brody's face as he realizes a shark attack is happening, heightening the tension.

Resource: The Dolly Shot: How It Works and Why It's Powerful

4. Handheld vs. Stabilized Movement

Definition: Handheld camera movements involve the operator holding the camera without support, resulting in a shaky effect that can add realism or tension. Stabilized movements use equipment like gimbals or Steadicams to create smooth footage, offering a polished and controlled look.

Example: The "Bourne" series uses handheld shots during action scenes to create urgency, while "The Shining" employs stabilized Steadicam shots to produce an unsettling, smooth exploration of the hotel.

Resource: Top 10 Handheld Camera Moves For Epic Shots!

Day 5: Frame Within a Frame & Visual Storytelling

Purpose: Use natural frames to add depth and context.

1. Frame Within a Frame (Doors, Windows, Mirrors, Arches)

Definition: This technique involves using elements within the scene to create a 'frame' around the subject, drawing focus and adding depth to the composition.

Example: Photographing a subject through a doorway or archway naturally frames them, directing the viewer's attention and adding context.

Resource: Frame Within a Frame Photography: A Guide

2. Experiment with Multiple Layers (Foreground, Subject, Background)

Definition: Incorporating distinct foreground, middle ground, and background elements to add depth and dimension to an image.

Example: Positioning a subject between out-of-focus foreground elements and a distinct background creates a layered effect, enhancing the perception of depth.

Resource: How to Create Depth in Photography

3. Use Reflections Creatively (Mirrors, Water, Glass)

Definition: Utilizing reflective surfaces to add interest, symmetry, or abstraction to an image.

Example: Capturing a subject's reflection in a puddle or mirror can create intriguing compositions and visual narratives.

Resource: 36 Amazing Examples of Reflection Photography

4. Compare Tight and Loose Framing for Different Effects

Definition: Adjusting the amount of space around a subject to influence the viewer's perception and emotional response.

Example: A tight frame focuses closely on the subject, emphasizing details and emotions, while a loose frame includes more of the surrounding environment, providing context and a sense of space.

Resource: Framing and Cropping: How to Use Both to Enhance Your Photography

Advanced Techniques & Creative Experimentation

This week builds on foundational skills while encouraging artistic exploration.

Day 6: Silhouettes & High Contrast Lighting

• Purpose: Create mood and drama using light and shadow.

1. Silhouettes by Positioning Subjects Against Bright Backgrounds

Definition: Silhouette photography involves placing your subject against a strong backlight, rendering them as a dark shape without visible details, which emphasizes their form and creates a dramatic effect.

Example: Photographing a person standing before a sunset, where the intense light from the sun creates a bright background, causing the subject to appear as a dark outline.

Resource: Backlight Photography and Silhouette

Video Example: Mastering Silhouette Photography: Backlighting & Fill Light Techniques

2. Backlighting for Depth and Atmosphere

Definition: Backlighting involves positioning the main light source behind the subject, which can create depth, a sense of atmosphere, and can highlight edges, producing a rim or halo effect.

Example: Capturing an image where sunlight filters through tree leaves from behind, illuminating the edges of the foliage and creating a warm, glowing ambiance.

Resource: Working with Backlighting: Creating Silhouettes, Rim Lighting, and Dramatic Effects

3. Low-Key Lighting for Film Noir or Horror Vibes

Definition: Low-key lighting is a style that utilizes high contrast, deep shadows, and minimal lighting to create a dark, moody, and often mysterious atmosphere, commonly used in film noir and horror genres.

Example: In classic film noir movies, scenes are often lit with a single light source, casting sharp shadows and creating a sense of tension and suspense.

Resource: Low-key lighting

Video Example: How to Light a Noir Film

4. Use Practical Lights (Lamps, Candles, Streetlights)

Definition: Practical lighting involves using light sources that are visible within the scene, such as lamps, candles, or streetlights, to enhance realism and contribute to the mood without relying solely on off-camera lighting.

Example: In a nighttime interior scene, a character is illuminated by the soft glow of a bedside lamp, providing a natural and intimate lighting effect.

Resource: Practical Lighting Guide (Including Examples in Film)

Day 7: The Two-Shot & Symmetry

Purpose: Establish relationships between characters.

1. Symmetry in Composition (Wes Anderson Style)

Definition: Symmetrical composition involves arranging visual elements in a balanced and mirrored fashion within the frame. Director Wes Anderson is renowned for his meticulous use of symmetry, creating visually pleasing and organized scenes that often convey a storybook-like quality.

Example: In "The Grand Budapest Hotel," Anderson frequently centers characters and structures, aligning them perfectly to achieve a harmonious and balanced visual aesthetic.

Resource: Wes Anderson Symmetry & Symmetrical Editing Explained

Video Example: The Symmetry of Wes Anderson

2. Close vs. Wide Two-Shots—How Does Spacing Affect Tension?

Definition: A two-shot features two characters within the same frame. The choice between a close or wide two-shot and the spacing between characters can significantly influence the perceived relationship and emotional tension.

Example: In a close two-shot where characters are positioned closely, the intimacy or tension between them is heightened. Conversely, a wide two-shot with significant space between characters can suggest emotional distance or conflict.

Resource: Master Every Camera Shot: Your Essential Guide to Filmmaking Techniques

3. Experiment with Negative Space

Definition: Negative space refers to the empty or open space around the subject in a frame. Utilizing negative space can emphasize the subject, evoke emotions such as isolation or freedom, and create a minimalist aesthetic.

Example: A solitary figure standing against a vast, empty landscape utilizes negative space to convey feelings of loneliness or contemplation.

Resource: How to Effectively Use Negative Space in Your Shots

4. Asymmetrical Composition (Off-Balance for Unease)

Definition: Asymmetrical composition involves placing subjects off-center or arranging elements unevenly within the frame. This technique can create visual interest, dynamic tension, or a sense of unease, as the viewer's eye is drawn across the frame seeking balance.

Example: In horror films, an off-center composition might be used to create discomfort, suggesting that something unseen lurks in the imbalance of the frame.

Resource: What is Asymmetrical Balance in Art — Composition Techniques

Day 8: The High Angle & Low Angle for Power Dynamics

Purpose: Use angles to influence perception of a subject.

1. High Angle: Makes Subject Seem Small, Weak, or Vulnerable

Definition: A high-angle shot is captured from a camera positioned above the subject, looking downward. This perspective often diminishes the subject's presence, making them appear small, weak, or vulnerable.

Example: In "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," a high-angle shot is used to depict Frodo's vulnerability as he faces the imposing Black Riders.

Resource: The Different Types of Camera Shot Angles in Film

2. Low Angle: Creates Dominance or Power

Definition: A low-angle shot is taken from below the subject, looking upward. This angle often conveys a sense of power, dominance, or authority in the subject.

Example: In "The Dark Knight," low-angle shots are frequently used to emphasize the imposing nature of Batman, enhancing his dominance in various scenes.

Resource: The Different Types of Camera Shot Angles in Film

3. Compare Dutch Angle vs. Straight Low-Angle Shot

Definition:

• Dutch Angle: Also known as a canted angle, this shot involves tilting the camera so that the horizon line is not level. It creates a sense of unease, disorientation, or tension.
  
  

• Straight Low-Angle Shot: This shot is taken from a low position without tilting the camera, maintaining a level horizon line, and is typically used to convey power or dominance.
  
  

Example: In "Thor," Dutch angles are used to create a sense of otherworldliness and tension, whereas straight low-angle shots are employed to emphasize Thor's heroic stature.

Resource: What is a Dutch Angle — Creative Camera Shots Explained

4. Use Lighting to Reinforce Mood (e.g., Harsh Shadows from Below)

Definition: Lighting is a crucial element in filmmaking used to establish mood, atmosphere, and emotional tone. For instance, lighting a subject from below creates harsh shadows, often associated with horror or suspense genres to evoke fear or unease.

Example: In "The Exorcist," underlighting is used to cast unsettling shadows on the characters' faces, enhancing the film's terrifying mood.

Resource: How Lighting Affects Mood in Film

These resources should provide you with a deeper understanding and visual examples of each technique.

Video Resource: For a visual exploration of these camera angles, you might find this video insightful:

Day 9: The Extreme Wide & Foreground-Background Interaction

Purpose: Convey scale, isolation, or grandeur.

1. Subject Small in Frame to Emphasize Loneliness

Definition: Positioning the subject as a small element within a large frame can convey feelings of isolation, loneliness, or insignificance by highlighting the vastness of their surroundings.

Example: In the film "Lost in Translation," director Sofia Coppola often frames the protagonists as small figures amidst expansive Tokyo cityscapes, emphasizing their sense of alienation.

Resource: Common shot types and how to use them - Dissolve Ideas for Creators

2. Layer Elements to Create Depth (Foreground-Background Interaction)

Definition: Incorporating multiple layers within a frame—such as foreground, middle ground, and background elements—adds depth and dimension to an image, making it more visually engaging.

Example: Photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson often utilized layering by capturing scenes where subjects in the foreground interacted with elements in the background, creating a dynamic composition.

Resource: About the Photography - Henri Cartier-Bresson

3. Try Foreground Blur to Create Separation

Definition: Blurring the foreground while keeping the subject in sharp focus can create a sense of depth and draw attention directly to the subject by separating them from both the foreground and background.

Example: In portrait photography, shooting through foliage or other semi-transparent objects can introduce a subtle foreground blur, adding a dreamy quality to the image and emphasizing the subject.

Resource: Photography Challenge - Week 20 - Blurry Foreground

4. Compare Empty vs. Busy Compositions

Definition: The use of negative space (empty composition) versus filling the frame with multiple elements (busy composition) can significantly impact the viewer's perception and the conveyed mood of an image.

Example: An empty composition with a solitary subject against a vast, uncluttered background can evoke feelings of loneliness or tranquility, while a busy composition with numerous overlapping elements can convey chaos, energy, or complexity.

Resource: Positive and Negative Space in Photography | Discover Digital Photography

Day 10: Experimental & Personal Style

Purpose: Apply learned techniques in a creative way.

1. Break a Rule Intentionally for Impact

Definition: Intentionally disregarding established compositional rules, such as the rule of thirds or leading lines, to create a unique or striking image that captures attention and evokes emotion.

Example: Placing the subject in the center of the frame, defying the rule of thirds, to create a sense of stability or confrontation.

Resource: Photography Composition Rules And How To Break Them

2. Abstract Compositions—Shadows, Reflections, Distortions

Definition: Creating images that emphasize shapes, patterns, and textures over representational accuracy by using elements like shadows, reflections, or intentional distortions to evoke mood or provoke thought.

Example: Capturing the distorted reflection of a building in a puddle to create an abstract, impressionistic image.

Resource: Photography Composition: The Definitive Guide

3. Motion Blur vs. Stillness

Definition: Contrasting the dynamic effect of motion blur, achieved by using slower shutter speeds to capture movement, with the clarity of stillness, achieved by using faster shutter speeds to freeze motion, to convey different moods or narratives.

Example: Photographing a busy street with a slow shutter speed to blur moving cars and people, juxtaposed against a stationary subject in sharp focus, highlighting the contrast between motion and stillness.

Resource: 13 Places to Practice Taking Beautiful Motion Blur Images

4. Combine Multiple Techniques (e.g., Silhouette + Leading Lines)

Definition: Integrating multiple compositional techniques within a single image to enhance visual interest and convey a more compelling story.

Example: Using leading lines, such as a pathway or railroad tracks, guiding the viewer's eye to a silhouetted subject against a vibrant sunset, combining both leading lines and silhouette techniques.

Resource: Combining Composition Techniques: 9 Examples To Inspire You