Visual Techniques Flashcards
Allusions
References to other images/visual media, including art, films, pop culture, etc.
Angles/lines
The ‘direction’ of an image based on the angles or lines within it. Horizontals create a sense of calm, verticals a sense of structure and diagonals a mood of unease or being off balance.
Body Language
Facial expressions, body language and gestures used to show character’s attitudes, moods or personality. Often focused on overall body movement and positioning.
Close-up Shot
When the frame is mostly or entirely filled with a character’s face. Used to create viewer focus and show that whatever is being shown is important. Often used on character’s faces in highly emotional images.
Colour (Hue/Tones)
Colours are symbolic of different emotions, moods, etc. and are used to evoke corresponding responses in audiences.
Composition
What an image is made up of - where things are placed, how it is framed, the colour and lighting used etc.
Contrast
Placing things that are considered opposite close to each other to create interest and complexity.
Framing
The camera shots and angles used in images/films to create different audience reactions and emotions.
Gaze
Where a character looks, which then directs the viewer’s eyes. Can be used to express emotion/intent.
Lighting
How a shot is lit or not lit. Includes natural and man-made lighting. Lighting has a major impact on the mood and atmosphere of an image.
Long/Wide Shot
A shot made up of a large landscape used to get across lots of information at once, such as the layout of a room, location of an event etc.
Low Angle Shot
A shot taken from below someone/something, used to present them/it as being in a position of power, dominance or control.
Point of View
How the shot is framed in reference to the viewer or a character.
Positioning
Where have objects and characters been placed in the shot? Why have they been placed there?
Salience
How much any section of an image draws the viewer’s eyes - the most salient feature of an image is wherever the viewer’s eyes are first drawn when they look at it.
Symbolism
The use of one image/object to represent an idea or concept that is more complex than it is.
Text
Words used within images to convey a literal or figurative message. Consider font, colour, size, weight etc.
Vectors
The lines or paths viewer’s eyes follow when looking at an image, usually vectors are deliberately created to lead the eyes to a focal point or important feature.
