How to film a conversation with yourself on Instagram or TikTok
Many people think that cinematography is all about pretty pictures. And, to a certain extent, they're right. Cinematographers are responsible for achieving the visual style of a film or video. But there's much more to cinematography than just making things look good. A cinematographer must also be able to tell a story with their images. In addition, they must understand how to use the camera to communicate ideas and emotions. This is why people go to film school - to learn the art of cinematography.
However, there seems to be a lack of understanding of cinematography among TikTok and Instagram users. People are posting videos without any regard for camera blocking or composition. As a result, their videos can often appear chaotic and confusing. This is a shame, as good cinematography can elevate a video and make it more engaging and enjoyable to watch. Hopefully, as TikTok and Instagram continue to grow in popularity, people will start to pay more attention to cinematography and learn how to use the camera to its full potential.
What is blocking and why do we use it in video production
Blocking is a basic cinematography technique in which the filmmaker arranges actors and camera positions to create the desired composition. A crucial part of blocking is establishing the character's relationship to their environment. For example, if two characters are talking, the blocking should make it clear whether they are friends or enemies. Blocking can also create visual interest and help carry through conversations, for example, by filming a scene from multiple angles.
While blocking is often thought of as something that only professional filmmakers need to worry about, it is a vital tool for anyone who wants to improve their video production skills. For example, if you are filming a skit, proper blocking will help to ensure that the camera captures all the action. Similarly, if you are filming yourself talking to the camera, blocking can help to create a more dynamic and engaging shot. And even if you're just shooting casual videos for TikTok or Instagram, taking the time to think about your blocking will help you to create better-looking and more engaging content.
The different types of blocking
In filmmaking and video production, camera blocking is the planning and placement of the camera and other equipment before filming starts. It includes deciding on camera positions, angles, and movements and which scenes will be filmed with which cameras. Camera blocking is essential to the director's job, as it can significantly impact the look and feel of a film or video. There are many ways to block a scene, but some of the most common are right eye level, left eye level, over-the-shoulder, and hero shots. So, whatever camera blocking you choose, make sure it helps to tell your story in the best way possible.
Basic camera blocking for portrait-style videography
Camera blocking is integral to any videography project, and it's imperative when shooting in a portrait-style format. There are a few basic rules to keep in mind when blocking your shots:
Try to keep the camera at the same angle for all your shots. This will give your video a consistent look and feel.
If you're filming yourself, use the rule of thirds. This classic composition principle states that your subject should be placed at one of the intersections of an imaginary tic-tac-toe grid.
Make sure your shots are appropriately framed.
Use a Tripod
One of the easiest ways to film a conversation between yourself and someone else is to place yourself on the left side of the screen while facing the right side. Do this vice-versa for the second shot. Here is a link that I've found on YouTube about how to film yourself with some simple camera blocking techniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZLrphMBYNw
You'll want to use a 1080x1920, 9x16 aspect ratio in a portrait-style format. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your video has a polished, professional look.
Tips for getting the most out of your blocking
Angles!
Angles!
Angles!
Angles are the most important thing to remember when filming for social media. Using different camera angles can add interest and variety to your posts. For example, try filming yourself or your friends from multiple different angles. An over-the-shoulder shot can be used to show a conversation between two people, while a close-up can be used to highlight a particular detail or an intense emotion. You can find the best way to capture your content by experimenting with different camera blocking, and it can only get better by practicing it over time.
One of the best resources to truly learn blocking would be an outstanding master course by Hollywood Camera work called "The Master Course": https://www.hollywoodcamerawork.com/the-master-course-in-high-end-blocking-and-staging.html
Examples of good blocking in social media videos
They are hard to find these days, but in an age where the connection is more important than ever, seamless camera blocking is a powerful tool that should not be overlooked. With those amazing few influencers that use it, seamless camera blocking is a crucial element of their successful social media videos. When dialogues are handled well by educated cinematographers, they create the feeling of two people REALLY having a conversation on camera. This way of intuitive communication on camera engages viewers and keeps them coming back for more. In addition, great seamless camera blocking allows audiences to connect with the content on an emotional level as if they were witnessing the events unfold in person.
Thanks for reading this blog, to take a step toward improving your cinematography, Check out https://www.hollywoodcamerawork.com/ for more.
