Chapter 4 Video Camera Operations
95
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
The television screen is flat. A videographer must arrange
shots in a way that creates the illusion of three dimensions
and depth when displayed on a flat screen. When framing an
individual shot of an object, whether it’s as small as a person
or as large as a building, try to shoot it at an angle. A straight-on shot of
a person with their nose pointed at the camera lens appears very flat.
Likewise, a profile shot also appears flat. If the shot is taken at an angle,
somewhere between a profile and a straight-on shot, three-dimensionality
and depth are achieved. The most common shot is an angle that includes
all of one side of the face and enough of the other side to see the
cheekbone or eyebrow. When shooting a building, try to shoot it from a
corner that includes two sides of the building instead of just one side.
Production Note
The over-the-shoulder shot (OSS) is an extremely common shot on
any program, Figure 4-19. The back of one person’s head and top of their
shoulder is in the foreground of the shot. A face shot of the other person in
the conversation is in the background of the shot. One OSS is usually fol-
lowed by another OSS from the other side of the conversation. It is a more
interesting shot than just a close-up of each person speaking or listening.
over-the-shoulder shot
(OSS): A shot in which
the back of one person’s
head and shoulder are in
the foreground of the shot,
while a face shot of the other
person in the conversation is
in the background.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 4-19. An over-
the-shoulder shot adds
three dimensions to an
otherwise flat two-person
conversation.
When framing shots of people, never allow the edge of a
picture cut at the joint of the human body (ankles, knees,
waist, wrists, elbows, or neck). The person pictured in the shot
will appear to have amputated body parts, Figure 4-20. This is
especially important to remember if your facility uses the terms
“bust shot” and/or “knee shot.” These shot names seem to “ask” for a poorly
composed shot.
Production Note