The portray shot is a returning element in many 1Camera productions. In this shot the interviewee or subject looks directly into the camera as if having a portray taken. At 1Camera this shot-type is often scripted in the lite-productions which are produced with a one-(wo)man crew, demanding the camera operator to pose the subject as well as record the clip.
Creative director and photographer Derek Heisler is famous for his ‘Don’t pose, direct!’ approach when ‘posing’ models. By giving the interviewee an emotion, mood or role to act out, a more natural look can be achieved. It can help to describe a situation of happiness or pride to help immerse in a given mood. Another technique is to give the subject an active and a resting pose, to then make the subject move from pose a to b a few times over. In the course of events, subtle varieties will appear, communicating character.
A few strategies for finding quality backgrounds for you portray (or interview)shots are to:
- Look for corners; these can offer interesting diagonal lines which are more dynamic than straights.
- Use color gels and/or cookies to set the mood and add additional visual interest. Window blinds and tree leaves can give interesting cookie patterns.
- Look for symmetry in the composition for a cinematic aesthetic.
- Try to find movement in your environment (remember; movement of groups, individuals, nature etc.)
- Look for alternative, experimental angles through camera placement and frame blocking.
Graduation Report Roos M Jansen 