Camera Position and Angle...

Camera position and angle is an essential area of composition. Camera position and angle can have a huge effect on the subject, it can put many different spins on their character and what the audience reads of their significance. There are 7 main aspects, which will need to be considered. The first is that an up-shot (looking up to somebody) will boost their importance and make them seem more imposing. When establishing a new band this may be useful in some instances when we are trying to make them seem slightly rebellious. However, if overused this may make them seem slightly arrogant and bolshie. The second aspect is the down-shot (looking down on the subject), this will make the subject seem very humble and will slightly belittle them. This shot may be good to film a new band, as it will make them seem humble as a new entry to the music world. The third aspect to consider is to do with lenses and how the lens is used to make them appear. A wide angle shot will make the subject seem insignificant, this may not be used in a pop video, unless this shot upholds the song meaning. The fourth aspect to camera position and angle is also to do with lenses, this is the long lens. If a long lens is used it will make people seem equal, this could be used in pop videos if the director wants to blend the band in with the public or make them seem insignificant against other objects/people. The fourth thing to consider is that the square, on shoulder shot makes people look quite uninteresting and unattractive as it exaggerates the nose and makes the face seem more 2D. This would rarely be a chose shot in music videos, unless the director is trying to present another person (not usually the band) as an uninteresting person. The sixth aspect to think about is the 32 degrees shot. This shot is very often used in interviewing and other very representative procedures so may be used in a music video if a new band is presented. The director may want a member of the band to seem interesting and slimmer so may use this shot. This shot is called is called the 32 degrees shot, this is because it is 32 degrees to the left or right. However, usually this is to the right (from the subject) as it puts them on the left hand side of the screen so they are in the “good half”. The final rule to consider is the “nose in the centre of the frame” rule. Generally, the subject’s nose should be in the centre of the frame. This will put the subject as the centre of interest and make them seem more important than the rest of the objects in the frame. This rule will need to be payed attention to in music videos, unless the director wants to look past the band and focus on something behind them. In which case they may put the nose to the side to get a good view of the other object.