Don’t worry, you don’t need to be Steven Spielberg

As a new norm in society, people spend a lot of time nowadays on how they look on a Zoom call. They adjust their camera angle so it’s centered, they make their backgrounds look nice, and they might even adjust their lighting.

The steps you take to ensure a perfect setup for a video call should apply when filming a video on mobile. Lighting, audio, and visual effects are obviously complex factors to implement when filming, but the tactics to frame a great video shot are not. And these simple tips can improve anyone’s filmmaking abilities.

Everyone has the ability to film on their smartphone, but knowing how to frame a shot will take you from amateur to artist. In fact, framing is often overlooked because it may seem like a minor characteristic to concentrate on, but if executed correctly, it can make a huge difference in how your shots look.

There are a variety of techniques you can use to creatively frame your shots, and it’s something that you can practice while figuring out how to film on a smartphone.

Rule of Thirds

Most smartphones today have features that can turn you into a pro, like the ability to enable a grid on your phone when taking a photo or video. This group of lines is meant to follow the “Rule of Thirds,” which divides your frame into nine even sections and can help you keep the subject centered proportionately. For example, when shooting a horizon, it is best to have the horizon line at the bottom or the top of the center grid, in order to showcase the sky or the landscape in a more pleasing manner. 

Leading Lines

Once you've understood how to use the rule of thirds to your benefit, you can begin framing within your frames. One of the best ways to record video is by considering your leading lines. Find ways to use the environment to draw the focal point of the shot and help guide the eye.

If you are filming a mountain range in the distance, consider incorporating elements like a road, a fence, or the surrounding landscape to support the frame and showcase the scale of your subject.

Additionally, ensure that you are using appropriate video recordings techniques such as stable camera movements, proper lighting, and clear audio to capture high-quality footage. By combining the rule of thirds with effective video recording methods, you can create visually compelling videos that engage your audience and convey your intended message effectively.

Symmetry & Balance

Leading lines can help add character to your shots, but are also a perfect way to practice symmetry, which refers to the balance your shot has when framing a subject. Think of it as centering the subject, making each detail fit in perfectly within the frame in a pleasing manner. If you are filming three skyscrapers, have one sit in the center while adjusting your frame so that the other two fit perfectly on the sides. For a great look at how symmetry has been mastered, check out the films by directors Wes Anderson and Stanley Kubrick. 

Framing your shots is essential. It’s best to master how your frame looks before moving on to other tips that can expand your video-making creativity. With cameras evolving in an unprecedented manner, it can be intimidating for an average photographer or videographer. Feeling that you are unable to capture the same dynamic content by not having the greatest equipment or the most up-to-date software is a general angst that a lot of people possess. But in reality, understanding your smartphone’s capabilities can make even the most beginner filmmakers look professional.