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Use the Rule of Thirds

Whenever you’re filming anything (or taking photos), remember the “Rule of Thirds.”

Imagine your shot is divided into nine equal sectors by two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, like so:

Notice how the primary subject in the image is positioned where two of the four points (which are known as the “anchor points”) intersect? This technique is used to draw the eye toward the main points of interest in the shot. The viewer’s eye will naturally gravitate towards the top-left anchor point, and many people will spend longer dwelling on this area than other parts of the shot, making it a logical point at which to position the main area of interest in your shot – in this example, the face of the subject.

This is a pretty standard composition using the Rule of Thirds, and although it might not seem that remarkable, composing your shot in this way makes it easier for the eye to “read” and results in a much more aesthetically pleasing shot overall. Your audience probably won’t even notice the composition of the shot, because it just “works.”

The Rule of Thirds can be applied to just about any type of shot, including landscapes. Using the horizontal lines is a great guide for where the horizon line of your exterior shots should be, and where your subject should be positioned:

In the example above, the upper of the two horizontal lines is the logical horizon point for this shot, as using the lower of the two would result in the shot containing way too much empty sky. Of course, this might be precisely the effect you’re trying to achieve, so think of this as a guideline rather than a hard-and-fast “rule.”

Many cameras enable you to overlay this grid onto your viewfinder, making it easy to compose your shot before and during filming.

However you choose to frame your shot, make sure that you keep composition in mind, especially when setting up your camera. To read more about shot composition

 
 
 

Know What B-Roll Footage You Need



Planning to intersperse shots of your team hard at work into your video, or cut away from your presenter to other footage? Then you need what videography professionals call B-roll footage.

B-roll is essentially any footage that isn’t of your primary subject. If you’re filming an explainer video showcasing your software product, B-roll footage might include shots of satisfied customers using your product, or an external shot of your offices, for example.

Whatever footage you need, figure it out during the pre-production phase to avoid situations in which you need footage you don’t have. Remember – there’s no such thing as too much B-roll.

 
 
 

Will video fix my business problem?



When I talk about video being magical, I’m not trying to insult your intelligence – no one really believes video is magic. But I’ve seen a lot of businesses who believe that just because they made a video about it, their problem will magically disappear. So, as a business leader, what’s the role of video? I want to share 3 ways you can think about video for your business. 1. Video is a tool – a way to communicate ideas, messages and stories. 2. Video is a fresh perspective – it helps your audience see and understand problems and opportunities from a unique point of view. 3. Video is a guide – it’s great at setting up the need and giving your viewers a clear call to action.

Here’s the reality, video is just one tool in an arsenal. It’s not your entire toolbox. While it pains me to say it, “No” video is not a magic wand that can be waved over a business problem and proof, (pause) it just disappears. My ability to speak a document out of thin air amazed my kids, but we know that my computer, printer and the wifi were part of a strategy that gave me the results I wanted. And it’s the same with video. Video has to be part of a larger strategy to move your audience to action. Just remember, the 3 ways video can help your business the most are: as a tool, as a perspective, as a guide. When used in the right context, video can be part of your solution.

Have questions about YOUR video? Let us know: Visit our website www.zappl.in! ___________________________________ Zero aperture production pvt. ltd. is an video communications company that brings businesses perspective through ideas, messages and stories.

 
 
 
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