Looking room in video

Next time you’re framing a shot for a station video production, remember to give your subject sufficient looking room. There should be more space in front of their head than behind it.

Here, let me demonstrate with my shiny assistant, the early 20th Century entomologist Raymond Henry Stoughton.

Looking bad

This framing gives the impression that we’re missing something that’s to the right of the shot and that the subject has excluded us – he’s speaking to somebody else.

Looking good

As viewers we’re more involved in the conversation. The space in front of his mouth is interesting. The space behind his head is boring.

Thank you Raymond.

Get more video tips

I recommend this blog by the BBC’s Mark Settle who specialises in journalism with mobile phones.