Composition arranges elements within the frame to guide attention, create balance and convey meaning. Strong composition turns ordinary footage into compelling visuals.
Rule of Thirds
Divide the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically with an imaginary grid (two horizontal lines and two vertical lines).
Place the main subject, especially people, along one of the vertical lines or at an intersection point. The viewer’s eye naturally gravitates to these areas, creating dynamic balance rather than a static centre placement.
For human subjects:
- Leave looking room: provide more space in the direction the person is facing or looking.
- Allow appropriate headroom: keep reasonable space above the head and avoid excessive space below the chin.
- It is more acceptable to crop at the hairline than at the mouth or chin.
Use horizontal grid lines to align key elements such as horizons, eye lines or architectural features.
Symmetry
Symmetry appeals to the eye and creates a sense of harmony and focus.
When symmetry exists naturally (buildings, reflections, roads, doorways), centre the subject or key element precisely in the frame. This draws attention inward and produces a pleasing, deliberate look.
Always scan for symmetrical opportunities. Breaking the rule of thirds intentionally with symmetry can be powerful when the composition calls for calm, order or emphasis.
Creating Depth
Video is two dimensional, so every shot benefits from deliberate techniques to suggest three dimensional space and immersion.
- Shoot with a low f stop (wide aperture) to create shallow depth of field. This blurs the background, separates the subject and emphasises distance.
- Physically position the subject away from the background to increase separation.
- Include foreground elements (branches, leaves, railings) to frame the scene and add layers.
- Use leading lines (roads, paths, fences, shadows) that draw the eye from foreground to background, guiding attention and reinforcing depth.
These techniques prevent flat, two dimensional footage and make scenes feel more cinematic.
Proper Framing
Clean framing ensures the shot looks professional and distraction free.
- Keep vertical lines straight (buildings, poles, horizons). Use the camera’s level indicator or horizon lock when filming with a drone.
- Fill the frame: position the subject to occupy as much space as possible without feeling cramped. Avoid tiny subjects floating in empty space.
- Use natural frames: doorways, windows, arches or overhanging branches to enclose the subject and direct focus.
- Minimise overlapping or conflicting lines that create visual clutter.
A well framed shot feels intentional and polished.
Have Purpose
Every element in the frame should serve the story or intent.
Before pressing record, ask:
- What is the main subject?
- Where should the viewer’s eye go first?
- Does the framing support the mood or message?
Try different iterations: shift position, change angle, adjust framing, or alter depth of field. Review and clean up the frame: remove distractions at the edges, realign lines, refine headroom or looking room.
Intentional composition elevates footage from casual recording to deliberate visual storytelling.
About the Author
Written by Neil Huyton. Sheffield based video production experts specializing in documentaries, promos, and branded content. We apply these composition principles on every shoot to create engaging, professional visuals that support the story.