Mastering Visual Composition and Cinematography Techniques

Visual Composition and Cinematography

The composition involves organizing visual elements and plastics to convey a visual message.

Principles of Composition

• Clarity: Maximum specification of visual elements for attracting attention to the image.
• Contrast: This is to show opposites.
• Harmony: When elements of the composition relate to each other.
• Equilibrium: This is when an image is organized properly.

Types of Composition

• Static composition: Symmetry, harmony, etc.
• Dynamic composition: Asymmetry, contrast.

Camera Plans and Shot Framing

• Great long shot: Describes the scenario and the environment where the action is.
• General plan: Describes the scenario but acknowledges the human figure.
• American plane: The figure intersects at the knee; it has the human figure as the main role.
• Midplane: Intersects the subject at the waist; the expression of the character can be seen more clearly.
• Close-up: Intersects the subject's shoulders; it is used to show the character's thoughts and feelings.
• Extreme close-up (Primerisimo foreground): The head is cut off at the forehead and chin; it is a dramatic level.
• Detailed plan: Contains a small part of the body; it serves to highlight a particular component.

Camera Angulation and Perspectives

• Average or normal: At eye level.
• High angle (Picado): Down from above; expresses inferiority.
• Low angle (Contrapicado): From the bottom up; magnifies things.
• Cenital: Full high-angle shot.
• Nadir: Full low-angle shot.
• Aberrant: Serves to express action and motion.

Lighting Types and Techniques

• Direct light or hard: Defined points (light bulb, flash); casts shadows on objects.
• Soft or diffused light: Achieved by dispersing the light emitted by screens or reflective surfaces; does not produce sharp shadows.

Lighting Styles and Directions

Lighting Styles

• Chiaroscuro (Clarooscuro): Direct light predominates; the shadow has much importance.
• Tonal light: Predominantly diffuse light and its effects.

Directions of Light

• Frontal: The shadows are eliminated; the result is flat.
• Lateral: Provides a sensation of volume.
• Backlight: Underlines the silhouette.
• High angle (Picado): Inappropriate; creates shadows that exaggerate features.
• Low angle (Contrapicado): Shadows lengthen.