Stories are told in many ways: through spoken words, writing on a page, or images on a canvas. For cinema, stories are told in all the above (and more).
But since cinema is a visual medium, the art of storytelling through cinematography is particularly interesting and unique, and it has plenty of facets to explore. Video essayist Lewis Bond of Channel Criswell does just that in his video Composition in Storytelling, which delves into how the selection and arrangement of cinematic elements work to serve the story.
Bond puts it beautifully (if you watch any of his videos, you'll soon find out that he has a knack for that) — composition is a "tool that gives — images structure and purpose." This means that the decisions you make as a director or cinematographer when it comes to what to capture within the frame is both technical (structure) and creative (purpose).
We've said it countless times on this site — everything you see and hear in a film communicates something to your audience and this includes composition. Of course, a lot of what you need to communicate is simply essential information that helps your viewer orient themselves in the time and space of the diegesis: you shoot a long shot to reveal the environment and a two-shot to allow a conversation to take place.
However, compositions communicate much more than vital info, and as the arrangement of a frame shifts further into its expressive role as a narrative device, you'll soon realize that there are many concepts that influence them. Bond mentions a few:
- Geometry
- Diagonals
- Framing
- Focus
- Scale
- Guiding lines (aka: vertices)
- Eyeline
This is by no means a comprehensive list — we could spend months, even years discussing aesthetic theory and how things like color, size, and motion can literally change everything about an image, including the message it's communicating to an audience. But Bond provides an excellent place to start, and hopefully after watching the video, you're a little bit more aware about how powerful composition is as a storyteller.
Your Comment
107 Comments
Great guide for composition
March 12, 2016 at 9:12AM
With our online service Techem Monitoring manual analysis of costs and potential savings is no longer necessary Tech EM UP
June 19, 2018 at 3:42AM
Speed Post tracking online tool to track status of your domestic and international speed post letters, passport and other India Post speed post tracking
June 19, 2018 at 5:10AM
Hello Friends Very Good Post And 2018 Super Fast Action Robot Movie Robot 2 Box Office Collection , World Wide And Total Collection
October 1, 2018 at 1:34AM
Very well assembled, I thought.
I think the challenge for beginner or low/no-budget film-makers can be seen in the first examples. They all show great sets, art-direction, costume or locations. I think compositional challenges are often about trying to hide the fact that you don't have these!
March 12, 2016 at 9:13AM, Edited March 12, 9:13AM
That was great.
Thanks for the information
April 18, 2019 at 2:48AM
That was great.
Thanks for the information.
March 12, 2016 at 10:30AM
Android Apps for pc
January 19, 2018 at 1:08AM
If i need a clash royale hack, the thing i am going to do is search for clash royale cheats or for free gems over google or bing. After that i will generate free gems by some of the results at google making me win the games of clash royale fight all over the world. http://freeclashroyalehacker.net These hacks are not verified and should be used for clash royale on your own risk.
June 1, 2016 at 12:36AM
happy independence day 2017
June 20, 2017 at 7:52AM, Edited June 20, 7:52AM
no film school https://icc-cricket-worldcup.com/
April 18, 2019 at 2:48AM
The best website to download Terrarrium Tv app
August 1, 2016 at 2:34AM
You must visit once this link http://terrariumtv.org/
August 1, 2016 at 2:34AM
Rubbish removal brisbane services help you to have a clear conscience by ensuring safe disposal of the garbage which you generate. https://www.cheapaskips.com.au
September 6, 2016 at 12:53AM, Edited September 6, 12:53AM
Usually the approved cost of Facial plastic surgeon Thousand Oaks but may vary on how much area to be covered and how severe the wrinkles are . http://www.dermatiqueskinspa.com/
September 6, 2016 at 1:01AM
For webkinz game lovers its a really fun because now get unlimited webkinz codes which you can use over times to adopt webkinz of your choice at http://freewebkinzcodes.com/ the only and authentic way to build your pets ganag without paying any money.
September 9, 2016 at 4:28AM, Edited September 9, 4:29AM
Good work !
visit my link : http://energie-expert.fr/volet-roulant-paris-2.html
February 6, 2017 at 8:40AM
Great Alfred , chirurgie esthétique tunisie pas cher
February 14, 2017 at 5:26AM
The GT made a name for itself in the 1960s, and the nameplate returned to Ford for the 2005 and 2006 models. Since then, the vehicle has truly evolved into a supercar, evident by it’s $100,000+ price tag.
The company has made some changes to the third-generation GT, prioritizing handling and track capabilities in their 2017 model. The result? Not only one of Ford’s most impressive cars ever, but perhaps one of the most innovative cars to ever be released. For more information about the 2017 Ford GT Wishlist checkout http://2017fordgtcar.com/2017-ford-gt-wishlist-features/
February 22, 2017 at 4:01AM, Edited February 22, 4:01AM
The upcoming iPad Pro 2 is definitely going to sport a first-rate outlook as it is expected to come up with a metal unibody chassis. I want to know more about iPad Pro 2 Features
March 6, 2017 at 10:46PM
Excellent post.I want to thank you for this informative read, I really appreciate sharing this great post. Keep up your work. Facelift Westlake Village
March 21, 2017 at 3:26AM
Great guide for composition
my blog http;//www.hutiya.net
March 24, 2017 at 5:06AM
Great Article Look Nice My Love for admin
https://twitter.com/i/moments/856033544493203456?lang=en
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/live-stream-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-23-a...
https://www.soccer1.us/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-stream-free/
July 23, 2017 at 4:56AM
It’s really pleasure to read your post.Thank you so much for writing such a nice post Iobit uninstaller pro serial key
March 26, 2017 at 5:46AM
I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. modern pest control
March 27, 2017 at 2:03AM
It is very nice and the data you used in it is very useful for us. I am here only due to your informative posts. Thanks for sharing and keep on sharing . dallas web development
April 1, 2017 at 3:55AM
This is very nice blog and informative. I have searched many sites but was not able to get information same as your site. I really like the ideas and very intersting to read so much and Please Update and i would love to read more from your site
Thanks http://www.rrbntpcresult2017.co.in/rrb-ntpc-admit-card-2017.html
April 3, 2017 at 11:38PM
Hi,
Thanks for the information about this Really nice Post.
http://iccchampionstrophy2017livestreaming.com/watch-india-vs-bangladesh...
April 4, 2017 at 4:29AM
This is very nice blog and informative. I have searched many sites but was not able to get information same as your site. I really like the ideas and very intersting to read so much and Please Update and i would love to read more from your site
Thanks
http://iplschedule2017.org.in/ipl-opening-ceremony-2017-date-tickets-liv...
April 4, 2017 at 5:25AM
I love it. I hope that more and more Blogger will use this feature in the future, because it just makes the internet better I think!
http://iplauction2017.in/r-ashwin-wins-icc-cricketer-of-the-year-test-cr...
April 4, 2017 at 5:46AM
Nice post loved it funny happy easter images and happy easter message sms
April 5, 2017 at 5:50PM, Edited April 5, 5:50PM
Good all the latest and more movies finds on one platform watch all the streams http://downloadterrariumtvapk.com/ on your smart phones.
April 7, 2017 at 5:46AM
Thanks for the information. today ipl match prediction
happy easter images
ipl live stream
April 8, 2017 at 1:07PM
it is quite amazing to see http://gameofthronesseason7full.com/ doing great stuffs with https://getcartoonhdapk.com
April 9, 2017 at 4:44AM
Nice Article . I love It By Heart . Love U ADMIN http://indvspaklivehighlights.com
April 11, 2017 at 12:41AM
https://watersoftnerguide.com/best-water-softener-reviews/
April 11, 2017 at 1:21AM
thnxxx fr this post
https://happymothersday2017sms.blogspot.com
April 16, 2017 at 2:52AM
Vivahsanyog offers matrimonial services in India. Find Verified matrimonial profiles and biodata of india bride and grooms at online matrimonial website. Best marriage bureau.
https://www.vivahsanyog.com/
April 26, 2017 at 12:15AM
download new movies
[url=https://uniqsofts.com/blogs/vidmate-apk/]Vidmate Apk[/url]
[url=https://uniqsofts.com/blogs/vidmate-online/]Vidmate Online[/url]
[url=https://ucbrowserforpcapp.com/download-uc-browser-for-android-apk/]Download UC Browser For Apk[/url]
[url=https://ucbrowserforpcapp.com/uc-browser-for-pc-windows-free-download/]UC Browser For PC[/url]
[url=https://ucbrowserforpcapp.com/uc-browser-for-mac-pc-free-download/]UC Browser For Mac[/url]
[url=https://ucbrowserforpcapp.com/download-uc-browser-for-ios-free/]UC Browser For iOS[/url]
[url=https://uniqsofts.com/blogs/mx-player-for-pc/]MX Player For PC[/url]
[url=https://uniqsofts.com/blogs/uc-mini-app-install/]UC Browser Mini App[/url]
January 19, 2018 at 3:32AM
We have shared an awesome collection of Happy Mothers Day 2017. You can check this, Happy Mothers Day Images
Happy Mothers Day Photos
April 26, 2017 at 10:33PM
I think this website has some really cool tattoo ideas http://tattoosboygirl.com/
May 6, 2017 at 11:00PM
Thank you for sharing this wonderful information with us, this definitely going to help each and everyone who come across this @ http://www.hutstar.in
May 11, 2017 at 5:23AM
First of all i am saying that i like your post very much.I am really impressed by the way in which you presented the content and also the
structure of the post. Hope you can gave us more posts like this and i really appreciate your hardwork.
Memorial Day Images 2017
Memorial Day Free Images
Free Memorial Day Pictures
Free Memorial Day Photos
May 22, 2017 at 12:39AM, Edited May 22, 12:39AM
Thanks you for share this post… great information.
Memorial Day Wishes
Happy Memorial Day Wishes
Memorial Day 2017 Wishes
May 22, 2017 at 12:39AM
Check This http://uwallpaperhd.com/
June 8, 2017 at 3:49AM
I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I wanted to thank you for this great
Happy Fathers Day Images
Fathers Day Wallpaper
Happy Fathers Day Images Free Download
Fathers Day Picture
June 9, 2017 at 9:29PM
Latest Movie Information - http://songmoviedownload.info/
June 10, 2017 at 9:56PM, Edited June 10, 9:56PM
nice post buddy http://nowlogin.org/myhrcvs-login-www-cvs-com/ tq
September 16, 2017 at 1:55AM
you can check my site
http://veteransdayguide.com/veterans-day-memes-images-facebook/
October 13, 2017 at 4:48AM
If you are a graduator and No time to write a paper or can't write it. And you want a good job, make your parents happy, looks very knowledgeable when face your frends, clasmates. I know you need help now. why don't you choose us. We can content your all requirments, whatever you want. We can write high-qulity assignment. Yes, whatever you want. As we all know,thesis is very important to us and brings some benefits. So, don't be hesitate, please click https://www.enlunwen.com , you will get more details what you want to know.
June 17, 2017 at 3:07AM, Edited June 17, 3:07AM
Munna Michael Full Movie
Munna Michael Songs
Mubarakan Full Movie
Vivegam Full Movie
http://www.munnamichaelfullmovie.in/
http://www.munnaMichaelsongsdownload.in/
http://www.mubarakanfullmovie.in/
http://www.vivegamfullmovie.in/
June 18, 2017 at 8:05PM
nice article
happy independence day 2017
June 20, 2017 at 7:51AM
4th Of July Images 2017
June 27, 2017 at 2:04AM
4th of July Images Free
June 27, 2017 at 2:05AM
http://www.imemorialday.com/happy-4th-of-july-images/
June 27, 2017 at 2:06AM
Fourth Of July Pictures
June 27, 2017 at 2:12AM
The postings on your site are always excellent.edinburgh essay wrting service
June 29, 2017 at 5:40AM
Thank you for uploading this site
guns of boom
July 11, 2017 at 9:37AM, Edited July 11, 9:37AM
I think this is what you've been waiting for Samsung Galaxy S9 Check out the Price.
July 17, 2017 at 1:44AM
The satta matka Original Website Provide Fast Matka Result site.
July 18, 2017 at 10:15PM
Freedom India History and Happy Independence Day Wallpaper Gif Images Animated Wallpaper
July 20, 2017 at 4:04AM
Pages