Cinematography

Cinematography is the act of capturing photographic images in space through the use of a number of controllable elements.  

These include 

1.    the quality of the film stock, 

2.    the manipulation of the camera lens, 

3.    framing, scale  

4.    Camera  movement

5.    duration, or the length of the shot, 

 Cinematography is a function of the relationship between the camera lens and a light source, the focal length of the lens, the camera’s position and its capacity for motion.

 

Depth of field is the measure that can be applied to the area in focus within the frame. Depth of field (DOF) is the term used to describe the size of the area in our image where objects appear acceptably sharp. The area in question is known as the field, and the size (in z-space) of that area is the depth of that field.

The center most point of the field is known as the point of focus. The imaginary two-dimensional plane that extends from that point is known as the plane of focus. And any part of your image that falls directly on this plane is officially in focus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-N_7QXA6xE&t=12s

 

Types of Cameras Shot Focus

 

1.    Deep Focus  

2.     Shallow Focus

3.     Rack Focus / Focus Pull

4.     Tilt-Shift

5.     Soft Focus

6.     Split Diopter

Deep focus, which requires a small aperture and lots of light, means that the foreground, middle ground and background of the frame remain in focus.  In a deep focus shot, everything in yur frame is in focus. 

Deep focus cinematography is a kind of camera angle that allows the Cinematographer to keep everything in perspective without favoring foreground, mid-ground, or background.  Everything is lit and visible.

 

·       A film utilizes deep space, when significant elements of an image are positioned both near to and distant from the camera.

·       A deep space film shot utilizes deep space when the subjects of an image are positioned both close to and far away from the camera.

·       Deep space shots do not have to be in focus, but they do have to show the breadth of scale.

·       So wide shots are often used to promote deep space shots.

Shallow focus is a function of a narrow depth of field and it implies that only one place of the frame will remain sharp and clear . It is typically a feature of the close-up. In shallow focus shots, our subject is in crisp focus while the foreground and background scenery are out of focus. This limits your depth of field to create emphasis on your subject.

In contemporary cinema, shallow focus is often combined with deep space for artistic purposes or to demonstrate subjectivity.  

Soft focus is perfect when filming a dream or memory — the glow around everything is both wistful and slightly unreal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqOKm3Z9zX0

 rack focus

A rack focus is the filmmaking technique of changing the focus of the lens during a continuous shot. When a shot “racks,” it moves the focal plane from one object in the frame to another. Also known as a "focus pull" or "pulling focus," the technique can include small or large changes of focus.

The shallower the depth of the field, the more noticeable the transition between focal planes. 

Filmmakers can change the focus of the lens to a subject in the background from the foreground or vice vera. This can be used to shift the audience’s attention or to point out a significant relationship between the two subjects.

 

Frame RATE

A frame rate refers to the number of individual frames or images that are displayed per second of film. The standard rate for a film is 24 frames per second. If more frames are added to this second the film will seem to slow down. The film will speed up if there are less than 24 frames per second.

 The higher the frame rate, the more film or digital storage space for video you’ll use up.

Here’s a breakdown of how different frame rates can be used:

·         1 frame per minute: time-lapse photography and stop-motion animation.

·         18 frames per second: Early motion picture films.

·         24 frames per second: Worldwide standard for movie theater film projectors.

·         300+ frames per second: high-speed cameras for very slow-motion photography (used for miniatures to make models seem larger on screen).

·         2500+ frames per second: very high-speed camera for special effects such a pyrotechnics and explosions.

 

 

ANGLE OF FRAMING

When filming from below or above the subject of the frame, it is known as a low or high angle. Filming from different angles is a way to show the relationship between the camera’s point of view and the subject of the frame.

LEVEL OF FRAMING

This refers to the height at which the camera is positioned in a given shot. Different camera heights are often used to display or exaggerate differences in points of view.  The low level position of the camera creates suspense by suggesting the perspective of an unsuspecting character on the ground.

 

THE VIEWER'S POINT OF ATTENTION

POINT OF VIEW SHOT

A point of view shot places the camera where the viewer would imagine a character’s gaze to be. This is a technique of continuity editing, because it allows us to see what the character sees without being obtrusive(mistake).

 

Point of view is the perspective from which that story is told. Point of view and perspective are not just important considerations in telling stories, point of view are necessary.

Camera  MOVEMENT

A camera movement refers to the way a camera shifts to visually narrate and shape a viewer’s perspective of a scene. In the world of film and video, there are several basic and advanced camera movements that can help enhance our story.  To make for a professional-quality final product need an effective and well-placed camera movements 

 

Length of SCENE 

 Some directors want length movement and some directors don't want any movement! The writer must find the exact length that allows him to share his passionate message, while entertaining the audience. That perfect balance, which is only achieved by less than 10% of the screenplays I read annually, makes the difference between a great film worth watching numerous times and a common film.

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/types-of-camera-shots-angles-in-film/