Framing shots with a vertical orientation is not a new art form - photographers have been turning their cameras 90 degrees to closely capture a person's face and upper body for more than a century. Framing in this style is well studied and obeys the basic rules of composition.
But some things have changed.
We're not only dealing with video now, as opposed to just photography, but we also need to work with much thinner aspect ratios, and shoot more than just single subjects and landscapes.
Here are two tips to produce stellar vertical compositions which can accommodate wide shots and dynamic up-down movement in ordinary places.
1. Utilize Perspective
One way to capture tall frames in outdoor spaces is to convert depth into vertical space.
This requires raising the camera high and pointing downwards. The strategy is improved by achieving a deep focus so your subjects can travel up and down the frame without leaving focus.
2. Wide Angle
For indoor environments, take advantage of a wide-angle lens' ability to capture as much vertical content as possible. You can make each frame count by arranging subjects or interesting props throughout the vertical space.
These two methods can help you turn ordinary locations into optimal spaces for vertical video by distributing information along a thin frame. Please keep in mind, however, that nothing has really changed about what makes a composition beautiful.
Now get yourself a ladder, a wide lens, and some photogenic friends to make the most glorious Snap or Instagram Story your followers have ever experienced.
This article was originally published on Likeable Media's Blog.