When framing a shot, it is important to remember these three terms to help give your interview the best look for on-air…
- Rule of thirds: This refers to process of dividing the image into thirds (two horizontal lines and two vertical lines). Then, position your subject at the intersection of the points to give your shot a more natural look. This is more pleasing to the eye, eliminates negative space, and also creates a conversation between the subject and the background.
- Head room: This term refers to the space above your subject to the top of the frame. Again, placing the eyes of your subject in the top third (left or right) should give you enough space to where you aren’t cutting off the top of your subject’s head in the shot.
- Lead room: This refers to the negative space in the direction that the subject is facing.
This is an example of how to frame a shot during an interview. Notice how the subject’s eyes are in the top-left third of the frame. The subject is also looking to the right, with plenty of “lead room” and plenty of “head room” above them.