Field of View
There are four variables that work together to determine a camera's field of view: camera location, camera angle, subject location, and focal length.
1. Camera Location
The term point of view refers to the position of the camera in relation to the subject and is determined by physical location and angle. Camera location is key for a videographer to consider because it helps give to viewer a more interesting point of view. Before a videographer settles on a camera location, he or she should walk around to observe different vantage points to see which one offers the greatest potential. A videographer should work to eliminate unsightly background mergers and he or she should think of the camera location as the first opportunity to simplify the shot by selectively cropping out unwanted visual elements from the frame with the goal of improving subject isolation and emphasis.
2. Camera Angle
Television reporters and documentary filmmakers often shoot at an eye-level camera angle during interviews to help maintain the viewer's perception of a level playing field. When a videographer is shooting B-roll or cutaways, he or she should try an angle below or above eye-level. A low-angle shot is one where the camera is placed below the subject's eye-line, creating a sense from the viewer's perspective that he or she is looking up at the subject. A high-angle shot is one where the camera is pointing down from a position above the subject's eye-line.
3. Subject Location
One of the best tips for subject placement is to extend the z-axis as much as possible. The videographer should try to position the subject at least six to eight feet away from walls or fixed backdrops. The greater the distance between the subject and the backdrop, the more opportunity the videographer will have for composing a pleasing shot with shallow depth of field. Videographers should also avoid placing the subject in front of a window or other highly reflective surface because backlight from a window can often overpower a scene.
4. Focal Length
The variable focal length lens found on most video camcorders gives the videographer latitude to fine tune his framing. The focal length of the lens determines what portion of the viewable area of a scene is included in a shot and what is left out. A videographer should get in the habit of critically examining the outer edge of the frame to see where the cutoff lines are to avoid dissecting people in half or eliminating key parts of an object that are needed to mentally complete the image.
1. Camera Location
The term point of view refers to the position of the camera in relation to the subject and is determined by physical location and angle. Camera location is key for a videographer to consider because it helps give to viewer a more interesting point of view. Before a videographer settles on a camera location, he or she should walk around to observe different vantage points to see which one offers the greatest potential. A videographer should work to eliminate unsightly background mergers and he or she should think of the camera location as the first opportunity to simplify the shot by selectively cropping out unwanted visual elements from the frame with the goal of improving subject isolation and emphasis.
2. Camera Angle
Television reporters and documentary filmmakers often shoot at an eye-level camera angle during interviews to help maintain the viewer's perception of a level playing field. When a videographer is shooting B-roll or cutaways, he or she should try an angle below or above eye-level. A low-angle shot is one where the camera is placed below the subject's eye-line, creating a sense from the viewer's perspective that he or she is looking up at the subject. A high-angle shot is one where the camera is pointing down from a position above the subject's eye-line.
3. Subject Location
One of the best tips for subject placement is to extend the z-axis as much as possible. The videographer should try to position the subject at least six to eight feet away from walls or fixed backdrops. The greater the distance between the subject and the backdrop, the more opportunity the videographer will have for composing a pleasing shot with shallow depth of field. Videographers should also avoid placing the subject in front of a window or other highly reflective surface because backlight from a window can often overpower a scene.
4. Focal Length
The variable focal length lens found on most video camcorders gives the videographer latitude to fine tune his framing. The focal length of the lens determines what portion of the viewable area of a scene is included in a shot and what is left out. A videographer should get in the habit of critically examining the outer edge of the frame to see where the cutoff lines are to avoid dissecting people in half or eliminating key parts of an object that are needed to mentally complete the image.
Comments
Post a Comment