Picture This!

Photography is important to understand if you are interested in the art of filmmaking. Being able to understand how to think like a photographer can create better shots for your films. There are several approaches to choose a subject in still photography. The subject can be objective, known or recognizable, it can be non-objective; geometric-free form (made up), or symmetrical-same in size shape and position, or the subject can be asymmetrical-not same on both sides, or abstract-artist’s interpretation of objects. The focal point for still shots is the same as videography, rule of thirds. With the rule of thirds the main focal points are the corners of the middle square on the screen (so think of the screen as a tic tac toe board and the four intersections as the key focal points). Using this rule will result in good framing for photos and shots for videos. Depth of field is also very important. With great depth of field everything is in focus, for example, landscapes. When a landscape is captured the whole frame is in focus meaning everything is important. Shallow depth of field is when only a small area or subject is in focus, for example, portraits. When portraits have shallow depth of field the subject is in focus but the background is not. When taking photos, similar to taking a video, lighting, depth of field cropping, environment and subject are all key to a great photo or video. If you are a photographer think about what would make a good photo, and then create a video/story only on that one still shot, and if you are a videographer, take your video/story and single out a great still shot with all the qualities needed to create the proper depth of field, cropping, environment, etc. But this only scratches the surface of photography and cinematography.