Shot composition basics
Compose then move
Composition is the still problem; camera moves are the time problem. For stills lock, prefer GPT Image on Lucy.
Rule of thirds
Place eyes or product near intersections, not dead center — unless you want formal/iconic center punch (Fury Road energy).
Prompt phrase
medium close-up, eyes on the upper-third line, soft side light, background quiet
Leading lines
Roads, corridors, counters, arms — lines that point at the subject. Great for product-on-table lifestyle.
Prompt phrase
desk leading lines toward the product in the distance third, slow push-in, one move only
Negative space
Empty area is a character. Isolation, dread, luxury minimalism.
Prompt phrase
subject small in the lower-left third, large quiet negative space, static lock-off
Over-the-shoulder (OTS)
Foreground shoulder frames the listener. Dialogue clarity without cutting away.
Prompt phrase
over-the-shoulder medium, foreground shoulder soft, far face sharp, static
Dirty single
A single with a sliver of the other person in frame — intimacy and conflict.
Prompt phrase
dirty single close-up, tiny edge of the other person in frame left, slight handheld
More study hubs
FAQ
- Why diagrams instead of famous stills?
- Copyright: we avoid rehosting film frames when rights are unclear. Original SVG diagrams + outbound study links keep the lesson legal.