FRAMING

Specific types of framing and

their effect on the viewer

Rule of Thirds Eye Movement

The rule of thirds is mainly associated with photography, however it

actually originated from painters. The rule of thirds is one of the most
frequently used and most effective framing techniques.
The subject in this photograph is
the camera, the camera is placed
in the right third.

The eye of the viewer is initially

drawn to the camera, then it
moves left until it reaches the left
edge before returning to the
subject

Breaking the Rule of Thirds

Alternatively, you can opt not to use the rule of thirds, this
creates a very central shot. The viewers eye is a lot more
focused on the subject in this example because of the
absence of space around the subject.
Because there isn't much
space around the subject the
viewers eye tends to stay in
one place.

Conveying Meaning Through Framing

Certain types of framing and the way the subject is positioned will
make the audience sub-consciously make an assumption about what
they are looking at.
The shot below gives the connotation
that the subject is feeling boxed in.
The lack of space above the subject
as apposed to the abundance of
space below closes off, forcing the
viewer to a conclusion.

Other Examples

Open

Mysterious

Powerful

Thinking

Vulnerable

Distance

The distance between the subject and the camera can also determine
the relationship that is established between the subject and the
viewer. A shot that is further away gives a disconnected feel. Whereas
a close up can establish an emotional connection between the viewer
and the subject.
Long shot

Close up shot

Eye Tracing

As a shot switches the has to readjust to the position of the new subject of the
shot. If you have a lot of fast cuts and the subject switches sides a lot then the
viewer will become disorientated and wont be able to understand each shot in
full detail.
Eye tracing is when the movement of the eye is taken into consideration, the
subject of the next shot will deliberately be placed near the position of the old
subject making it easier for the viewer to follow.
If eye tracing isnt taken into consideration it doesn't matter too much, the only
time it will make a significant impact is in a sequence of fast paced cuts.

Successful use of Eye Tracing

in Incognito