"Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out" Martin Scorcese

Prior to becoming a Videographer, I could appreciate film for what it was. I could get sucked up into a story and carried away in the webs of emotion crafted by the writer, the director and all the other artisans that work on a film. I liked soaps and reality TV. But those days are long gone. These days I sit like the ultimate armchair critic passing comments, good and bad, on everything. I am often engrossed in discussion with my toddlers about how 'Hi 5's' use of depth of field could be improved upon, or that Playschool could frame their shots better. And don't get me started on The Wiggles and their use of ….pretty much everything. Granted my toddlers don't care, and neither do the producers given their demographic, but I do. Similarly, although you are only shooting home video it does not mean it can't be pure poetry. Here are a couple of tips on how to frame your shots to look as good as the professionals (or in some cases better).

Look at your shot analytically not emotionally

You are filming for a reason. It is an event that is worth remembering. Chances are you will look at this footage again in the future. So lets make it worth watching. What are you trying to say? You are filming a story, you are imparting information. Look at your shot, if it doesn't say anything or is not saying what you want it to say, ditch it and set up another shot.

Dead Space?

Divide your frame into nine equal squares. Does each square have a purpose or do you have dead space. Fill up the frame with interesting vision that assists in conveying mood and information. And make sure that all nine squares are conveying the same intention. It is not good if there is action or information away from the central theme that is drawing attention, such as a small child with their finger jammed up their nose, or nana kipping first aisle in the church, you'll know this when it happens. Also adhere to the Rule of Thirds. Don't put action smack bang in the centre of the frame. Off to one side or the other and either higher or lower than the central point will be more pleasing to the eye.

Speed and Direction

When you are looking at action our eyes instantly compensate for speed, light and depth of field. Your camera does not. If you wiz about like a whirling dervish attempting to follow action you will cause disorientation to the viewer. I have watched endless doco dramas where they do the 'no tripod, third person view' using fast pans and zooms as a drama heightening effect. Please stop. It just causes anxiety and motion sickness. Smooth pans and steady zooms. And use a tripod. If you don't have one, get one. If it is not practical to use a tripod, try attaching an extension handle that will allow you to use both hands to steady the camera. Or lean on something or someone…lie down if you have to, just stop shaking the camera.

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