Cinematography uses visual elements to tell stories. Framing, composition, and camera techniques shape how viewers perceive scenes. These tools create mood, guide attention, and convey meaning through carefully crafted images.

Editing ties everything together, building rhythm and pacing. It combines shots to create emotional impact and narrative flow. Understanding these elements helps filmmakers craft compelling visual stories that resonate with audiences.

Framing and Composition

Fundamental Elements of Shot Composition

• Rule of thirds divides frame into 3x3 grid, placing key elements along intersecting lines
• Leading lines guide viewer's eye to important areas of the frame
• Symmetry creates balance and visual appeal in shots
• Framing uses elements within the scene to draw attention to subjects
• Negative space emphasizes subject by surrounding it with empty areas

Aspect Ratio and Field of View

• Aspect ratio determines shape and dimensions of the frame (16:9, 4:3, 2.35:1)
• Widescreen ratios (2.35:1) create cinematic look, often used in feature films
• Standard ratios (16:9) commonly used for television and digital video
• Aspect ratio impacts composition and framing choices
• Field of view affects how much of the scene is visible within the frame

Depth and Perspective in Cinematography

• Depth of field controls area of sharpness in the image
• Shallow depth of field isolates subjects from background (f/1.8 aperture)
• Deep depth of field keeps entire scene in focus (f/11 aperture)
• Focal length influences perspective and spatial relationships
• Wide-angle lenses (24mm) exaggerate depth, telephoto lenses (200mm) compress space

Camera Techniques

Dynamic Camera Movements

• Panning moves camera horizontally on a fixed axis
• Tilting rotates camera vertically on a fixed axis
• Dolly moves entire camera setup forward or backward
• Tracking follows moving subjects parallel to their motion
• Crane shots provide vertical movement and sweeping views
• Handheld creates organic, documentary-style feel
• Steadicam allows for smooth movement in complex scenes

Exposure and Lighting Control

• Exposure triangle balances aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Aperture controls depth of field and amount of light entering camera
• Shutter speed affects motion blur and exposure time
• ISO determines sensor sensitivity, impacts image noise
• Lighting ratios create contrast and depth in scenes
• Three-point lighting setup includes key, fill, and backlight

Color and Visual Aesthetics

• Color grading enhances mood and atmosphere of scenes
• Color temperature adjusts warmth or coolness of image
• Color palettes create visual cohesion and evoke emotions
• LUTs (Look-Up Tables) apply preset color grades to footage
• White balance ensures accurate color reproduction in different lighting conditions

Rhythm and Pacing in Visual Storytelling

• Visual rhythm created through composition and movement within frame
• Pacing of shots influences emotional impact and story progression
• Long takes build tension and immersion (Birdman)
• Quick cuts increase energy and excitement (action sequences)
• Varying shot lengths creates dynamic viewing experience

Editing and Storytelling

Montage Techniques and Applications

• Montage juxtaposes separate images to create new meaning
• Intellectual montage conveys abstract ideas through image associations
• Rhythmic montage creates patterns through timing and movement
• Parallel editing shows simultaneous events in different locations
• Superimposition overlays multiple images for symbolic effect

Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Elements in Film

• Diegetic elements exist within the world of the story (character dialogue, ambient sounds)
• Non-diegetic elements added in post-production (background music, narration)
• Diegetic sound enhances realism and immersion
• Non-diegetic sound guides emotional responses and narrative understanding
• Blending diegetic and non-diegetic elements creates complex audiovisual experiences

Continuity Editing Principles

• Establishing shots introduce new locations or scenes
• Shot-reverse-shot maintains consistent eyeline for dialogue scenes
• 180-degree rule preserves spatial relationships between characters
• Match cuts create smooth transitions between similar visual elements
• Cutaways provide context or reaction shots
• Insert shots highlight important details within a scene

Action-Driven Editing Techniques

• Cutting on action maintains visual flow between shots
• Match on action aligns movement across different shots
• Increasing or decreasing shot length affects perceived pace of action
• Overlapping action creates seamless transitions in fight scenes
• Reaction shots capture character responses to off-screen events
• Impact frames emphasize dramatic moments in action sequences