Printed from Mr. Biggs' Tech Web site

Composition

The way you composition each shot is the key to making interesting animations that tell a compelling story. It is also important that everyone in your team is using the same vocabulary so lets review a handful of the different types of shots and camera angles you can use in your productions.

Check out this great description of the shots with an image for illustration.
http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/

Using information from the above site, complete this Composition Handout.

Check out your answers here.

Assignment

Hands-on Composition Assignment

Use a digital still camera to create a photo story using a variety of camera shots and angles. Think carefully about how each type of composition will help to tell your story. For example, you might want to start with a wide shot to establish the setting and characters.

Expectations

  • Take 5-10 minutes to discuss your story and select  your actors and camera operator
  • Shoot your images in the order of the story.
  • Take between 8 to 10 images.
  • Vary your shots and angles. Every shot should be different than either the one before or the one after. Try to make every shot a different one. Be creative and demonstrate your mastery of the composition rules. Use the composition handout for reference.
  • This should take you no more than 20 minutes.
  • When you return to the room, remove the SD card and download the images onto the server at:

Computer -> Student -> Specialists -> Tech -> 6-Sixth Grade -> CameraTechnique

  • Select a team spokesperson and someone to run the computer. The spokesperson will describe the type of shot and how it tells the story.

Scenario

  • Character one is walking down the hall and drops something.
  • Character two picks it up.
  • Finish the story.

Additional Information

Field of View: Through the Window (9:05)
Using the Edges of the Frame to Conceal and Reveal
We can be better shooters, better editors and better visual storytellers if we
understanding and exploit the incredible power of the edge of the frame.
http://www.digitaljuice.com/djtv/segment_detail.asp?sid=136&searchid=33854

Take 5: 5 tips for Creative Camerawork (11:18)
Taking Your Shooting to the Next Level
Creative shooting requires creative thinking… and creative positioning. You need to be selective
to show your viewers unique perspectives. Chuck shares 5 shooting tips to help you get creative
with your camera.
http://www.digitaljuice.com/djtv/segment_detail.asp?sid=106&sortby=&page=2&kwid=0&show=all
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