Why are some movies more aesthetically pleasing than others? This question has puzzled filmmakers and audiences for years. Some believe that it’s all about the story, while others believe that the cinematography is what makes a movie beautiful.
We believe that both story and cinematography are important, but there’s one other element that often goes overlooked: Composition and framing.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how film composition and framing can make a movie more aesthetically pleasing. We’ll also offer some helpful tips on how you can improve it.
As a filmmaker, you have a lot of choices to make when it comes to Composition and framing. What will your shot look like? What will be in the frame? How will you arrange the elements within the frame?
There are a few different ways to approach Composition and framing, each with its advantages and disadvantages. This blog post will look at a few popular methods: the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, leading lines, and symmetry.
First, it’s essential to know what the word “framing” means: In cinematography, framing relates to the way elements are arranged in the frame—everything you see on camera.
Framing and compositing are two of the most fundamental elements of filmmaking; with them, your film may look exciting and complete.
Framing and compositing can add an extra layer of depth and emotion to your shots. When your shots are framed and composited correctly, they can create a more immersive experience for viewers.
Secondly, framing and compositing can help you create a more effective visual story. When your shots are well-framed, they can create a more engaging and cohesive visual narrative.
Finally, framing and compositing can help you to create more impactful images and communicate your message more effectively.
So How Do You Frame and Composite Your Shots?
You can use many different techniques to frame and compose your shots, but the most important thing is to find what works best for the story you’re telling. The wrong Composition can make your movie look amateurish and unprofessional. It can also make your film look uninteresting. Remember, It’s not just about getting the shot. It’s about framing the shot, so the viewer is drawn in and engages with the content. It’s about creating a visually appealing composition that pulls the viewer in.
The key to good film composition is to pay attention to the elements of the frame. This means understanding how the surrounding environment affects the image and then using that information to create a compelling and appealing shot.
There are a few other vital factors to consider when composing a shot. For example, choosing a focal point that will draw the viewer in is essential. It’s also crucial to select a visually appealing setting that will work well with the story you’re trying to tell.
Frame Your Shot To Emphasize The Essential Elements.
By emphasizing the critical elements in your shot, you can make them more visible to the viewer and draw their attention. This can help to make your film more engaging and visually attractive.
You can also frame your shot to create a visual balance; Visual balance is the term used to describe how elements in a shot are arranged. A reasonable frame can help to develop a sense of balance and symmetry in a shot. This can help to create a visually gratifying composition.
Another essential factor to keep in mind is composition density. Composition density refers to the number of elements in a frame. Too many details in a frame can make it cluttered and difficult to see. Try to keep the composition density minimum and focus on creating engaging visuals instead.
Next, think about what’s in the background of the shot. This might include props, set pieces, or other elements that contribute to the Composition. Finally, think about how the shot lines up with the other images in your film. A well-framed shot will be easy to follow and help to create a cohesive visual narrative.
Here Are a Few Tips To Help You Frame a Shot:
- Think about the main subject of the shot: The first step is to decide the shot’s main subject. This might be the protagonist, a key plot point, or something important to the story. Once you know the main issue, you can start framing the shot around it.
- Think about the background of the shot. The background of the shot is also necessary. This includes props, set pieces, or other elements in the location. You can create a harmonious and cohesive composition by framing the shot around these elements.
- Think about how the shot lines up with the other shots in your film. One of the most important things to keep in mind when framing a shot is the overall Composition of your film. By framing the shot in a way compatible with the other shots, you can create a cohesive visual narrative.
Different Types of Composition
There are countless types of Composition in cinematography, but today, we will take the four most used composition techniques:
The rule of thirds: is one of the most known composition techniques and for a good reason. It’s easy to understand and easy to apply. You divide your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Then, you place your subject at one of the intersections of those lines.

The golden ratio: is a bit more complicated but can produce stunning results. You divide your frame into two unequal parts. The more significant part should be about 1.618 times the size of the minor component. Then, you place your subject where those two parts intersect.

Leading lines: are another popular composition technique. They can create a sense of depth, leading the eye into the frame. They can also develop an understanding of movement, leading the eye from one point to another.

Symmetry: is another popular composition technique. It can create a sense of balance and stability. It can also create a sense of drama by placing the subject in the center of the frame.

These are just a few of the most popular Composition and framing techniques. There are many others, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. As a filmmaker, it’s up to you to experiment and find the best techniques for you and your project.