Illustration and Visual Narrative Lecture Report / Task 3

22.4.2022 - 29.4.2022 (Week 4 - Week 5)

Takuto Hozumi / 0354047 / Bachelor Of Design (Hons) In Creative Media

Illustration and Visual Narrative

Lecture Report

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INSTRUCTION

Lecture Report Task 3: VISUAL TYPES AND 
SHOTS (28/4/2022)

Abstract

In the previous lecture (Composition Theory / Visual Types and Shots), the following six compositions were explained.

1. Establishing
2. Bird's Eyeview
3. Frame within a Frame
4. Medium Shot
5. Close-Up
6. Worm's Eyeview

In this report, I am describing the above compositions based on actual photographs I have taken.

Introduction

1. Establishing

"Wide shots were often used to establish not just the setting, but to portray spectacle and give audiences the chance to take in all the splendor and grandeur of a location, while still giving them enough information to process what's going on."

Also known as: Long Shot

Fig1. Example of Establishing

This photo shows a family walking toward a shopping center. And the fact that the child in the middle stops to read the sign clearly indicates where this family will be going to shopping. Therefore, I chose this photo for the Establishing composition.

2. Bird's Eyeview

"When the point of view is placed directly above the subject. It's somewhere around a 90-degree angle above the scene taking place."

Also known as: Overhead shot

Fig2. Example of Bird's Eyeview

I attempted to shoot at a perfect 90°, but without a drone or other photographic equipment, it would be difficult to do so from the building. I almost dropped my smartphone, so here is a photo with a little slanting.

3. Frame within a Frame

"A well-composed frame within a frame can fracture screen space, add depth, and create visual interest in your cinematic compositions.

Whether you choose to use foreground or backgrounds shapes to create this effect, the technique of cinematic frame within a frame can emphasize and highlight the underlying meanings within your story and break up the information in your frame for maximum impact."

Fig3. Example of Frame within a Frame

The position of the sun was exactly in the center of the sky, visible through the gaps between the buildings. The railing, ceiling, and two buildings on either side frame and cut through the view in the back.

This photo was enhanced by Photoshop to emphasize the contrast between light and shadow.

4. Medium Shot

"The shot is also called a three-quarters shot - which, obviously, frames three-quarters of the character.

This is one of the standard camera angles used to frame a character. It's the shot in between a close-up and a long shot."

Fig4. Example of Medium Shot

I have concluded that medium shots are excellent for showing balanced expressions and movements of the character. It is an easy composition to use because it is neither too close nor too far away, but it also looks mediocre.

5. Close-Up

"The close-up is an intimate moment, a look into a character's mind. It cause us to "catch" emotions, so as the rest of the scene plays out, we're already invested in the characters' well being. Therefore, this type of shots the should emphasize emotions and thoughts within a grander context."

Fig5. Example of Close-Up

By showing face in large, this composition can clearly show changes in facial expression. Because of the lighting in my room, the exposure is set to a high level.

6. Worm's Eyeview

"The close-up is an intimate moment, a look into a character's mind. It cause us to "catch" emotions, so as the rest of the scene plays out, we're already invested in the characters' well being. Therefore, this type of shots the should emphasize emotions and thoughts within a grander context."

Fig6. Example of Worm's Eyeview

An object (in this case, a mop) was utilized to emphasize the perspective created by the composition looking up. If this composition is used in a video, it could break up a boring image and makes it charming.