Image Composition is Art, not Science Let the picture tell the story. Visual Communication Image Composition is Art, not Science Let the picture tell the story.

Visual Communication In any visual communication the picture must tell the story. The image supports the words A photo Journalist must tell the whole story through one photograph. The art of visual storytelling goes back to the Masters of the Renaissance – Their paintings were composed using the same rules and principles we use today in photography and video.

Visual Communication Rule of Thirds The rule of image composition. Image Composition: How the picture or Image is balanced on the screen to convey an acceptable, comfortable image for the viewer. If the image is not balanced it will detract from the intended message.

Visual Communication Aspect Ratio The ratio of the screen’s width to height The size of your screen or canvas can affect your composition. Standard Definition (SD) - 4:3 480 pixels High Definition (HD) - 16:9 720 pixels or 1080 pixels

Visual Communication Head Room The amount of space left above the subject to the edge of frame. Accommodates for space lost in the conversion to the home screen – 5% around image. Too much headroom squishes the subject in the screen. Not enough headroom cuts off the subject at the top.

Visual Communication Graphic Vector Draws the viewer’s attention using leading lines. Viewer is drawn to the key point of attention on the screen.

Visual Communication Index Vector Draws the viewer’s attention using some kind of pointing device. Viewer is drawn to the direction being pointed towards.

Visual Communication Motion Vector – Nose Room Leaving room in the frame to allow room to talk into.

Visual Communication Motion Vector – Nose Room Leaving room in the frame to allow room to talk into.

Visual Communication Motion Vector – Lead Room Leaving room in the frame to allow room to run or walk into.

Visual Communication Shot Types Every shot you use must communicate a message. Each has a purpose in telling the visual story When looking at a storyboard the viewer should be able to see the story unfold by looking at the visuals only. Shots can establish a setting, a mood, and an emotion. The shot can transfer that mood or emotion in to its viewer. There are seven primary shots that we will use to tell a story.

Visual Communication Extreme Close-up Used to show detail and generate emotion in the viewer. Headroom is not considered in this shot, but it must be balanced properly.

Visual Communication Close-up Used as a Reaction Shot. Can also be used to show emotion.

Visual Communication Medium Close-up The comfortable conversation shot. Considered the ideal for news readers in TV. It makes the viewer comfortable because of its intimacy.

Visual Communication Medium Shot Used in TV News field reports because the viewer can see some background behind the reporter. Used to see upper body for hand movements and drawing attention to something in hand. Can start seeing more than one person in frame.

Visual Communication Medium Long Shot Used where upper body movement is important. Used to see groups of people in frame.

Visual Communication Long Shot Used where the whole body needs to be seen. Used to see multiple groups of people in frame.

Visual Communication Extreme Long Shot Establishing Shot. Used to establish a scene or setting. Can be used to see large groups of people.

Visual Communication Trucking Shot A move where the camera and its supporting device follow parallel action, left to right/right to left.

Visual Communication Panning A move where the camera remains static on its supporting device. The camera pivots following parallel action, left to right/right to left. Similar to a Trucking shot except the shot has a slight arc to it.

Visual Communication Dolly In/Out A camera move where the camera and its supporting device move in or out to the subject. Gives the illusion that the audience is being brought closer or further away from the subject.

Visual Communication Zoom In/Out A lens move where the glass mechanisms on the telephoto lens move in or out. Gives the illusion that the subject is being brought closer or further away from the audience. The ‘Long’ lens creates a narrow focal range making the area that remains in focus small.

Visual Communication Dolly vs Zoom

Visual Communication Pedestal Up/Down A move where the camera and its supporting device follows vertical action, or a vertical object.

Visual Communication Tilt up/down A move where the camera remains static on its supporting device. The camera pivots revealing vertical action or a vertical object Similar to a Pedestal shot except the shot has a slight arc to it.

Visual Communication Arcing A handheld camera movement arcing around the subject. Camera stays wide to maintain depth of field and critical focus.

Visual Communication Low Angle Camera is below subject looking up. Used as a Point of View (POV) shot giving the impression of small size or submissiveness. High Angle Camera is above subject looking down. Used as a Point of View (POV) shot giving the impression of large size or dominance.

Visual Communication Low/High Angle