The Split Diopter Lens Explained with Eye-Popping Examples

Filmmakers have a wide variety of camera techniques to implement to adequately tell a story. One of the most powerful tools directors have at their disposal is the split diopter lens, which is capable of having two subjects at different distances in frame simultaneously.In this blog, we’ll go over what exactly a split diopter shot is. We’ll also include plenty of examples, so you can see it first-hand. Used properly, you can use a split focus diopter to convey a certain mood and direct your audience to exactly what they need to pay attention to.Continue reading The Split Diopter Lens…

What is Deep Depth of Field? Definition and Examples

  Dof basics Shallow dof Deep dof DOF Guide TYPES OF CAMERA FOCUS If you’re just getting your feet wet in photography or videography, you’ve probably heard one million terms tossed around that either mean nothing to you...yet, or you know of them, sort of, but you’re not entirely sure how they all work together. Whatever your skill level, this post is for the aspiring filmmaker looking to brush up or learn the fundamentals. Understanding and applying depth of field, aperture, and other camera considerations determine the quality, and consistent quality of your work. This post focuses on something called…

How to Shoot The Best Car Chase Scene [Mad Max: Fury Road Example]

Car chase scenes are fantastic, but they are probably one of the most difficult things to capture. Even if you end up with a relatively successful experience on set, how can you be sure it will work in the edit? Continue reading How to Shoot The Best Car Chase Scene [Mad Max: Fury Road Example]

The Modern Cowboy Shot — Types of Shots in Film, Explained

Cowboy shots are something we see all the time in film and television. Even from the name alone, an image comes to mind but when should you use one in your film? You don't have to be shooting a Western to use the iconic cowboy shot camera angle. In this post, we're going to start in the Old West but we'll look at some of the ways modern filmmakers have embraced the cowboy shot film technique. So, get your holsters ready and let's ride.Continue reading The Modern Cowboy Shot — Types of Shots in Film, Explained

The Essential Guide to Depth of Field [with Examples]

Dof basicsShallow dofDeep dofDOF GuideTYPES OF CAMERA FOCUS The best photographers and cinematographers use depth of field knowledge for precise control over their images.Establishing your own visual style should occur before you step on set, and it begins with understanding how to control your depth of field.Continue reading The Essential Guide to Depth of Field [with Examples]

Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

  Why do filmmakers use over-the-shoulder shots? Can they signal to the viewer that two characters are, at the very least, on the same page? The OTS shot is one of the most commonly used shots in film and television, but often it's used without proper application of advanced cinematic language. We'll break down the psychology so your OTS shots drive home an emotional concept. Continue reading Over-the-Shoulder Shot: Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of Shots in Film Explained

There are multiple ways audiences can learn about who a character is. How they talk, how they dress, how they move, and how they interact with other characters all reflect a character’s personality. To capture a character as a whole, filmmakers often use the full shot. In this article, we’ll answer, "What is a full shot" along with the various reasons to use a full shot in film. We’ll also take a look at some iconic full shots from some of cinema’s best films of all time. Let’s dive in. Continue reading What is a Full Shot in Film? Types of…

How to Make a Lined Script and Save Your Shot List

  W hat is a lined script? And what does it have to do with your shot list? On the surface, a shot list is exactly what it sounds like. A list of shots that communicates to your crew what camera shots you intend to get. Yet we all know once you get to set, issues arise and something always has to give. And that something is often your favorite camera angles.But with a little forethought and a lined script, we can prepare our shoot to make sure we get everything we need.  Here's how you do it. Continue reading How to…