In week 2, we discussed the differences between shot sizes and how to utilise them in a more effective way. Personally, I personally believe that sometimes it is not necessary to deliberately remember all the information about shot sizes like names, compositions etc., but rather to utilise different shot sizes in practice. Therefore, I experimented with a couple of shot sizes for the homework.
I documented my daily routine of using the computer which involved photo-colourising and gaming. In order to conduct the shooting on my own, I used the tripod to get those static shots, either from the back or side. The process of placing the camera was not easy at first, as it involved some elements of the composition such as the “rule of thirds”, but I still enjoyed the process because of the feeling of witnessing the best composition suddenly popping up in my frame was pretty similar to a treasure hunt. Once my camera was set, I started off shooting with a medium shot of me sitting in front of my computer. The medium shot clearly showed the character and this particular scene, which provided a sense of immersion so that viewers can instantly engage with the story. Also, both shots from the back and side did not show the character’s face, which conveyed a certain degree of social isolation and loneliness.
(MS from eye level)
(MS from eye level)
I tried to achieve an emotional shift by using an MCU shot that showed me being less positive about my work, which led to the upcoming story where I grabbed the console and started playing the game. However, the close-up of me holding the gaming console was still a bit abrupt as it did not reflect the emotional shift very well due to the lack of storytelling. I think I need to develop my storytelling skills in video editing as it is not just as simple as trimming the footage, but being able to tell a story that conveys certain emotions, meaning and values etc.
(MCU from low level)
(CU from high level)
