Creating Good Looking Videos - Video Composition Rules

 

If you’re creating video marketing material for your brand, every video must look like it was shot professionally. 

While this matters to varying degrees for different formats, paying attention to basic video composition rules can always help you elevate your visual content creation.

These rules often don’t apply only to video but are good guidelines for all visual content creation. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind.

Keep Horizontals Level

You should always attempt to keep your camera level with the horizon, so that horizontal lines seem straight. If not done with a specific cinematic intention, anything else comes across as a mistake and looks unprofessional. It’s easier to ensure level lines by keeping your camera on a tripod and using a spirit level. Some cameras also come with electronic levels.

Of course, you might use a dutch angle for cinematic effect occasionally. However, this creates an impression of disorientation, unease and tension and should only be used when it serves a clear purpose.




Utilize the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a visual rule used across painting, film and graphic design. There's lots of science behind this, but to keep it simple, you only have to remember that you should mentally separate your frame into a grid of thirds, horizontally and vertically.

Essential elements in your picture should be placed along with one of these lines. You should avoid placing a subject too close to an edge. When done intentionally, keeping a subject in the centre can also work well, clearly drawing the focus. However, leaving a little breathing room of two thirds on either side feels more natural and balanced.

Speaking of balance…

Balance Subjects in the Image

Balance your composition. This means that if there is a subject on one side of the image that heavily draws the eye, there should be something on the other side that balances it out. This goes hand in hand with the rule of thirds, which helps dictate in which direction a subject is pulling. Balancing a shot with various elements with visual weight creates a better sense of calm and symmetry. As always, the rule may be broken intentionally for cinematic effect.

Include Enough Headroom

When shooting an interview video, or any other video featuring one subject, give them enough room overhead. Otherwise, the frame feels claustrophobic. At the same time, you should keep in mind the rule of thirds and keep the eyes along with the top third, so there is not too much empty space above. Note where the subject is looking and facing, and give them more room in that direction. Placing an edge right where a subject is drawing the eye once more brings the viewer to a dead stop. 

These are just some rules that determine whether your visual content looks professional and balanced. Video composition is an art form in and of itself. Whilst you can shoot video footage yourself, trained experts know these rules instinctively and can make better use of them. Consider working with a visual content creation agency like high stakes films to rely on professionals with a good eye.

Location: St Cross St, London EC1N 8UA, UK

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