Exercise 1
Workflow and Creative Camera TechniquesFraming and a Floor Plan
As part of an exercise assigned for the Workflow and Creative Camera Techniques module, we were to take six stills – three framed according to the ‘rule of thirds’, the other three centre-framed – and compare the results. How did the framing affect the final result? Which did we prefer and why?
Rule of Thirds
Centre Framing
Results
The framing of each image clearly affects both our interpretation and perception of the subject of the image.
For the rule of thirds, each image feels like the more ‘natural’ composition in comparison to centre-framing in terms of cinematic quality. It is what we as the audience are accustomed to. As the subject is situated within a third of the frame, the emptiness in the other two-thirds creates a sense of alone-ness, but also a focal point on the subject.
The centre-framing contrasts the rule of thirds in many ways. Framing a subject within the centre of the frame is more of a statement cinematically than adhering to the conventional rule of thirds. Placing the subject within the centre emphasises their importance and presence within a shot, and eradicates the possibility of any other major focal points. Personally, I find centre-framing to have a more ‘whimsical’ look, which should be utilised carefully and within the right context.
In terms of preference, I prefer the rule of thirds for a simple reason – it requires less deliberation to use successfully, and has an effortlessly cinematic look. I also like frames with unoccupied space and a visual imbalance as it is more ‘painterly’, and less controlled and manufactured.
Floor Plan
Above is a floor plan of my room in student accommodation. The sun positioning at midday was calculated using the longitude and latitude of my location, which was then entered into a sun position app. I don’t have any practical lights within my room, minus three sets of fairy lights.