Get Savvy with Social

  • Blog
    • MEDIA
    • CAREER
    • BLOGGING
    • LIFESTYLE
    • TRAVEL
  • About
  • Media Kit
  • Chats
  • Workshops
  • Books + Wine
  • Shop
    • Etsy
    • Amazon
  • Hire Me
  • More
    • Contact
    • Press Kit
    • Newsletter
    • Journalism Work

How to frame an on-camera interview

MEDIA

How to frame an interview

There are a number of ways to frame an interview subject on-camera. Whether you’re going for a traditional approach or a more modern angle, here are some examples to check out.

When framing photos, always keep in mind the rule of thirds. Also, aim to get tight, medium and wide shots of your subject outside of the interview so you have extra footage to use when editing.

If you’re framing someone’s face close-up on camera, then it’s always more natural to cut off the top of their head but you never want to cut off the bottom of their face too much, including their chin and mouth.

MORE: Professional pet photos

When it comes to shooting a standard medium or wide shot always leave appropriate headroom. If you’re going for a creative wide shot then disregard this advice. But typically, you want to leave a little bit of space between the subject and the top of the screen for what is called headroom, or space between the top of the head and the edge of the frame.

Try to use at least two cameras for the interview. The A camera is the main camera, where you’ll also record sound. The B camera is the second angle used for cutaways.

Traditional

The traditional interview style used by broadcast television:

Two-shot with host/reporter and subject:

One-shot with subject:

Host/reporter talking straight to camera:

MORE: I surprised my husband for our second anniversary

Documentary

Here are some examples of a documentary-style look – options range from wide to medium to close-up shots:

You often see shots like this in documentaries where there isn’t a host ever shown.

Modern

This is more of what I call a digital style look, where the subject is talking straight to the camera and not off-camera:

Another thing to keep in mind between your A camera and B camera, is it often looks more natural if the eyes are level between cameras. What that means is if you were to line up the two shots together the placement of the subject’s eyes would be about the same from one shot to the other:

MORE: Sign up for media consulting services!

Those are some essential tips for how to frame interviews on-camera. Of course, I always say: Know the rules so you know when you want to break them!

Related

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « The basics of photography
Next Post: Why bloggers should start an online shop »

Reader Interactions

Comments Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Watch my latest YouTube video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQXLB0BtbQk&ab_channel=OliviaSmith

Buy me a coffeeSay thanks!

Top Posts

  • How can I get all of my friends to see my Facebook posts?
    How can I get all of my friends to see my Facebook posts?
  • How to add text to TikTok thumbnails
    How to add text to TikTok thumbnails
  • Pin and unpin text messages on your iPhone
    Pin and unpin text messages on your iPhone

Let’s be social media BFFs!

Newborn photos of baby Lach! @mpjym and I marvel a Newborn photos of baby Lach! @mpjym and I marvel at how quickly our smart, funny, silly and adorable baby boy is growing. Thanks for the fun shoot @peterandbridgette! 🫶
⭐️Our birth story!⭐️ Here’s what I’ve ⭐️Our birth story!⭐️

Here’s what I’ve learned in the first month of parenting:

Breastfeeding while trying to eat with one hand should be an Olympic sport. 😂

I’ve been coming to the realization I may never sleep a full night again or ever stop worrying. 😅

Baby coos, smiles, laughs, cuddles and snuggles are better than anything in the world. 🫶

Other parents are essential to learn from and lean on for support and staying in touch with loved ones, family and friends, is vital for your mood and sanity. Even if you feel like you have no time in the world or feel overwhelmed by visitors, you can try to socialize virtually. 🤗

Having a supportive, loving and adoring partner like @mpjym is everything. ❤️
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok

Copyright © 2023 · GET SAVVY WITH SOCIAL · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED · DISCLAIMER & PRIVACY POLICY

 

Loading Comments...