Video Arts Vocabulary

Through The Eagle’s EyeInnovative Approaches to Teaching the Media Arts

The Language of Video

Through The Eagle’s Eye


Media Arts Vocabulary

Understanding the terms that bring meaning to video storytelling.



The Basic Elements of A Video

Most media pieces are created from a series of creative, technical and aesthetic elements that interweave to communicate a message or idea. The following, though not inclusive, represent the most common elements to this medium:

Sound: what we hear in terms of language, our natural environments, as well as conscious sounds we create and manipulate and internal life sounds.

Image: what we see in our natural and constructed environments. An image is what we choose to view within a given frame of reference.

Text: what we recognize as language in our society. It includes both written and spoken words and applies to most languages.

Sequence: how images, sounds and text are arranged to expand or change the interpretation of a media work. This includes the use of time, motion, and rhythm.



Formal Elements

Every image is composed with lines, color,

light, shadow, texture, shapes, compositions,

angles, balance, change, etc. It is these

elements that build meaning within a moving

image. Without them, you have a blank

screen - nothing, no color, no box to view.

Used without thought, your video images

are likely to lack a depth of meaning. Worse

yet, your images may portray meaning that

was never intended.

When used purposefully your images

will carry your intended meaning. As you

become more comfortable recognizing and

using these elements you will gain the power

and ease of an experienced storyteller and



Formal Elements

• formal elements refer to the unique features that make up a picture.

• Common examples include lines, shapes, textures, colors, etc.

• When used well formal elements can create a strong emotional story.



Formal Elements - Color

The use of color within an image often

Carries symbolic importance. For

some the use of “reds” may symbolize

anger, where the use of “blues” may

make other feel at peace.

It is important to recognize how

colors contribute to the story you are

telling. By emphasizing them consciously

You will be able to enhance the

Meaning of your video.



Formal Elements - Shape

Shapes are distinct areas of visual

information. Stressing the use of

Shapes in an image helps to raise

the level of abstraction and sense

of symbolism.

The structure of common shapes

take on greater meaning when

connected to the real world.



Formal Elements - Texture

Texture refers to the “feel” of the video

image. A texture may be smooth, often

consisting of a similar set of colors, like an

image of water. Rough texture often uses

contrasting colors and sharp shapes to

presents the appearance of

deeper dimensions.

Like color, the use of texture can create an

emotional or symbolic meaning. Be aware

of how texture appears within the frame of

your camera and use it when possible to

add meaning.



Formal Elements - Line

Straight or curvy, lines take you from onecorner of the picture to another. Lines can be used to emphasize your subject matter or to draw the audience towards something new.

In this photograph, the camera is tilted,emphasizing the the door frame and buildingcorner. The model is then positioned (almosttrapped) within those lines creating a newframe within the picture.



Formal Elements - Light & Shadow

Always be aware of the quality of light available when making a video or taking a photograph. Often, shadows or darkened areas can emphasize important aspects of

images. Always know where the source of light is when

collecting images. If photographed into the light, subject matter may

appearshadowed or poorly defined. If the light is blocked by

another object (such as a tree), the image may appear with

streaked shadows. If you understand how light and contrast

work, you will be able to create dramatic effects in your art.

Illustrated below are some examples of good use of light and

shadow.

The pictures to the right demonstrate the use of:

Reflection taken using the reflection of a rear view mirror

Shadow taken with the sun behind the photographer



Compositions Long Shot An image captured from far away that usually includes the entire subject matter within the camera frame. This shot is

usually used to introduce a setting or

environment (sometimes known as an “establishing

shot”). Abbreviation: LS

Mid-Shot This type of composition usually includes the subject

matter from the waist up and is often used to

introduce a “character” to the audience. Informally,

the mid-shot is considered to be a “safe-yet-friendly”

distance that is similar to the length between two

people shaking hands. Abbreviation: MS

Close-up This type of shot is taken close to the subject and is

often used to show emotion. The most common

composition of a close-up is also called a ”head and

shoulders shot,” which refers to a person



Camera Angles High Angle The camera is placed high and looks

down at the subject. This angle often makes the subject appear smaller than it is. In

American culture, the use of this angle indicates

that the subject being viewed by the camera is

vulnerable and without powerﾑthis relates to the idea

of a parent looking down at a child.

Low Angle The camera is placed low and looks up towards

the subject matter. This angle often makes the

subject appear larger than it is. In American culture,

this angle often causes the audience to view the

subject matter in a position of power and/or importance,

as if the audience were a child looking upward towards

a parent.

Camera angles are often used with great subtlety and



Camera Movements Movement is most often considered when producing videos, but it can also play an important part in how photographs are taken and how the image conveys movement within a single frame. The following list contains some basic terms used in video.

Pan The camera moves horizontally (sideways) from left to right or right to left. Panning is often used to reveal more information about a setting or a situation.



Camera Movements

Tilt The camera moves vertically (up and/or down) with the purpose of revealing new information about a setting or a situation.



Camera Movements

Zoom The camera magnifies an image by moving from a long shot to a closer shot. Most cameras offer some form of a zoom function. The camera is able to use multiple lenses to magnify an image, making it appear closer than it really is.

Beginning photographers often overuse the zoom function, creating chaotic movements or magnifying an image so the slightest movement of the camera causes the image to blur or appear “bumpy.”

Dolly A dolly shot serves a similar purpose as the zoom, except the camera itself physically slides forwards or backwards. By using a dolly shot, the camera operator has greater control over the speed of movement and focusing options. On professional film sets, tracks are laid for a dolly (cart) upon which the camera is placed; this ensures fluid movement. Less expensive options include the use of a steady cam, wheeled tripods, or simply carefully walking with a camera.



In Summary:

Always pay attention to what

Is within the frame of your camera.

Use formal elements, compositions

Angles and movements thoughtfully.

Use these basic elements the

Same way you would use punctuation

To add emphasis to your story.

Be playful, experiment, and don’t be

Afraid of being daring with the video

Camera.

This power point presentation was created by:Keisha Little Cloud

Tiana LaPointe

© 2005