How to Frame a Shot

Framing the Reporter

The reporter should be centered in the frame of the camera with a few inches for headroom and cutting off just above the waist. This will leave enough room for the reporter’s name to be keyed on over his chest. By mentally dividing the viewfinder into thirds, the imaginary lines should show you how to frame the reporter: between the vertical lines, and with the eye lines two-thirds up.

Framing Interviews

A shot of two people, for example an interview, should be framed similarly, and they should be standing very close and turned slightly toward each other. Once again, the rule of the thirds will help you frame the shot; centering the subjects on the vertical lines, and trying to keep the eye lines the same as before. If they are of different heights, frame the interviewee more properly, even if it means cutting off part of the interviewer.

Sometimes it is better to show a single shot of the person being interviewed. In this case, have the interviewer stand a little further away, next to the right or left shoulder of the cameraman. The camera should be zoomed in closer, but the rule of the thirds keeps the eye line the same and the interviewee slightly off-center with plenty of “looking room.”