The online seminar on the topic: “Filming with Gadgets. Frame Composition,” held by the Ukrainian Institute for Advanced Training of Television, Radio Broadcasting and Press Workerson November 13, gathered a large audience of media professionals, operators, photographers, photojournalists, as well as those eager to uncover the secrets of creating a successful, as it’s now called, “Instagram-worthy” shot.
The training courses of media trainer Viktor Kush, a film and television director of photography, laureate of the The Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine, a lecturer of the highest category at the Ukrainian Institute for Advanced Training of Television, Radio Broadcasting and Press Workers, are always in high demand.
What principles of visual art must be considered to ensure that an image has a sense of volume, does not distort reality, and looks aesthetically pleasing? A gadget, film camera, or smartphone, no matter how technically advanced, still requires the application of general basic knowledge to create a truly high-quality media product. Everyone shoots, but not everyone knows!
First and foremost is the composition of the frame and the rule of the golden ratio. Viktor Kush, with the help of relevant graphic materials, outlined the basic rules of composition, illustrated incorrect decisions, and explained why they are unsuccessful. He explained how to better shoot architecture, portraits, and still life, what risks await photojournalists and cinematographers during reportage shooting, what they risk, and how to avoid failure.
Analyzing numerous photographs, the media trainer outlined the principles of perspective — linear, light-tone, and color perspective — and, through specific examples, showed the participants how the successful use of different types of perspective and effects, depending on the shooting angle, helps convey the three-dimensionality of space to the viewer.
The overall impression of the participants from their communication with Viktor Kush was expressed, after the seminar, by one of the participant, Anna Chyruk:
“Thank you so much for today’s seminar! Please convey special big thanks to the speaker! He is a master of his craft! Thanks for sharing his experience and helping us to look at the world, even if just for a moment, through his eyes, through the camera lens. Great examples of photographic works, wonderful stories, and a very rich experience! So, big thanks!”
We hope that the invaluable experience and knowledge of the master will be helpful to the media professionals.