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Elemental Photography: Set, Camera, Shot Selection, and Lighting - Elements to Keep in Mind when Composing an Image

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posted Oct 18, 2009, 19:37

Check out this article in the print edition of StudentFilmmakers Magazine, August 2007. Click here to get a copy and to subscribe >>

Back Edition Spotlight: August 2007, StudentFilmmakers MagazineElemental Photography:
Set, Camera, Shot Selection, and Lighting

Elements to Keep in Mind when Composing an Image

by Saro Varjabedian

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As I sit in my friend’s music studio and listen to him talk to another musician I cannot help but wonder how similar the language of music is in relation to film. We are sitting around a computer with a song mixed on Pro Tools. The program looks similar to most video editing software with tracks and clips all layered onto each other on a timeline. They describe how a song consists of a drum track, and a chord progression, and then, vocals, which are structured in verses, bridges and choruses. While I did not understand all the terminology they used to break down the parts or elements of a song, I did walk away thinking that a song, much like a film, is very much defined by the sum of its parts. Each part or element compliments each other to create a whole which sounds or looks good to us. If one of these parts were missing, or not executed properly, the whole would suffer.


This image was created through a combination of location, time of day, and a sunset grad.

The same analogy holds true for the composition of an image. Think of all the elements which can comprise an image. By adding the appropriate elements, and considering how each element works in relation with each other, we can compose an image which moves the story forward in an aesthetically pleasing way. These elements can be classified under four main groups: set, camera, shot selection, and lighting.

One element which can really add volumes to the image is the set or location. Consider just how much can be done within a set or with the right location to add subtext. Your set can exude a color scheme. It can define the movement and energy of the image just by the direction of the inherent horizontal or vertical lines. It can establish space and depth. And, it can convey story information like time and place. Logistically speaking, selecting the right location or building the proper set is crucial in the planning process of equipment selection, lighting set-ups, blocking and even scheduling. Often times, settling on the most available location can be detrimental to the final look of the film.


This entire scene was filmed at night with the recreated daylight being the primary source of light for the room.

For lack of a better word, I use the term camera to encompass all the elements which are used in capturing the image. This includes formats such as DV, HDV, film, etc. When choosing to shoot in film the various types of film stock and processing methods must be taken into consideration.

Even within video, it is necessary to know the properties of the camera’s image processor. When determining what look is needed to tell the story appropriately, it is necessary to do research into such things as the latitude of a film or the color sampling of the video camera before making a final decision on the camera package.

Actor George Ruiz playing Shaun in the film, "La Chambre De Motel."
Actor George Ruiz playing Shaun in the film, "La Chambre De Motel."

I also consider lens selection and filters as being part of the camera category. Do you want to compress the image or flatten it with a telephoto lens? Do you want to soften the look of video with a soft FX filter?

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