Framing Yourself in Your Shot

If you are filming a video of yourself talking to the camera you want to think about how you are framing yourself in the viewfinder. There are a few standard positions you should try depending on what your video is and the area in which you have to work. Here are a few to get you started. I’m going to write this as if you are shooting a video, but it works for still photos as well.

1. Full Length Framing

   

   Why use it: You will want a full length frame if you are trying to show an exercise that uses the whole body. Another reason to use this is if your background is really spectacular and you want to show it off. Otherwise use one of the other two suggestions.
   How to frame it: Zoom out or move the camera back far enough to see your feet and still keep your head in the frame. You may want to try lowering the tri-pod to waist level in order to get your whole body in the frame. Be sure to leave enough space above your head in case you inadvertently move forward, you don’t want your head to disappear from view. You could modify this to a 3/4 view by cutting off the frame just above the knees. Be sure not to cute off at the joint, it plays tricks with the mind making the viewer think you have no legs below the joint.

2. Medium Length Framing

   

   Why use it: This is ideal for most “explainer” or “how-to” videos. It’s close enough to connect with your audience, but not too close where they might be analyzing every freckle on your face.
   How to frame it: This can be used either sitting or standing. You want the camera to be as close to eye level as possible. Move forward or zoom in until your belly-button is at the bottom of your viewfinder and your head still has plenty of room to move on the top.

3. Head and Shoulders Framing

   

   Why use it: This is good general use framing. I love this for testimonials or interviews. It can also be used as a personal message to your viewers, or any time you don’t need to show other visuals.
   How to frame it: This one you have to be careful with the focusing. Keep in mind all cameras have a limit to where they can’t focus if the subject is too close, you may have to back off a foot or two and zoom in. I discourage too much zoom on a smartphone or tablet, you lose a lot of quality when you zoom on those kind of cameras. Every camera is a little different, so you’ll have to try it and find the “sweet spot” for your camera’s focusing ability. To frame this you wan to show the top part of your shoulders at the bottom of the viewfinder, this gives your head a base to sit on and it won’t visually look like a creepy floating head. You’ll want the crown of your head to be just below the top of the frame.

4. Extreme Close-up

   Why use it: This framing style would be best used on something very personal, emotional, intimate.
   How to frame it: This is the only framing that you should ever cut off the top of the head. Keep the eyebrows near the top of the frame and your mouth near the bottom.

   

 

Watch the video to see a visual of these framing styles and a few tips to makes your videos better.

Just like all my advice these are just strong suggestions, there is always reasons to break the rules in photography but it’s good to know the rules first so you know what rules you are breaking and what your reason is for breaking them.

—

DIY Media Girl educates small business owners on taking better videos and photos. These are simple techniques you can use with the equipment you already own. If you have a question or a topic you want me to cover, send me a message or write a comment below.

When your budget doesn’t allow you to hire a pro, follow my tips to make your image glow.   -DIY Media Girl