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Shot composition

Shot composition refers to the position of your subject within the frame of your picture. Look at the following examples and decide whether you think they are well positioned or badly positioned

1

Well positioned or badly positioned?

a)
b)
Please select an answer

No, there is a problem with the composition of the picture. The subject's eyes are half way between the top and bottom of the screen. This leaves too much empty space at the top. The rule is that the eyes should be one third of the distance from the top, like this:

Observe how shots are composed on TV and you will see that this rule is generally followed.

Yes you're right, there is a problem with the composition of the picture. The subject's eyes are half way between the top and bottom of the screen. This leaves too much empty space at the top. The rule is that the eyes should be one third of the distance from the top, like this:

Observe how shots are composed on TV and you will see that this rule is generally followed.

Check your answer

2

Well positioned or badly positioned?

a)
b)
Please select an answer

No, there is a problem with the composition of the picture. The subject's eyes are very close to the edge of the screen, so that he seems to be looking at something out of the picture. The rule for a side-on shot is that the eyes should be looking into space within the picture. The rule for a side-on shot is that the eyes should be looking into space within the picture; the eyes should be two thirds of the width of the screen away from the left hand edge.

Observe how shots are composed on TV and you will see that this rule is generally followed.

Yes you're right, there is a problem with the composition of the picture. The subject's eyes are very close to the edge of the screen, so that he seems to be looking at something out of the picture. The rule for a side-on shot is that the eyes should be looking into space within the picture; the eyes should be two thirds of the width of the screen away from the left hand edge.

Observe how shots are composed on TV and you will see that this rule is generally followed.

Check your answer