Videography Basics: Understanding ISO, Exposure, Frame Rates, Types of Shots/Framing, Lighting, and Sound

Videography is not just about pointing the camera and pressing record; it’s about mastering the art of capturing motion while telling a story. Whether you're creating content for YouTube or shooting a feature film, understanding the basics of videography will elevate your footage and make it look professional. In this post, we’ll dive into the essential components of videography, including ISO, exposure, frame rates, shot types, lighting, and sound.

1. ISO – The Sensitivity to Light

ISO controls the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor to light, which affects the exposure of your footage. A lower ISO (e.g., 100) results in less sensitivity, providing cleaner footage in bright conditions. A higher ISO (e.g., 1600 or 3200) increases sensitivity, which is useful in low-light situations but can introduce noise (grain) into the footage.

Best Practices:

• Use the lowest ISO possible for the cleanest image, especially in well-lit environments.

• If shooting in low light, increase the ISO, but be mindful of noise. Modern cameras handle high ISO better, but it's still worth testing your camera's limits.

2. Exposure – Controlling the Brightness

Exposure refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera's sensor. It is influenced by three main factors: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Together, these are known as the exposure triangle. Achieving proper exposure is crucial to prevent overexposed (too bright) or underexposed (too dark) footage.

Key Components:

• Aperture: The size of the opening in the lens through which light enters. A larger aperture (smaller f-number like f/1.8) lets in more light, while a smaller aperture (higher f-number like f/16) restricts light.

• Shutter Speed: The amount of time the camera’s shutter remains open. A faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000) allows less light in, while a slower speed (e.g., 1/50) lets in more.

• ISO: Adjust this according to the available light and the desired level of noise.

To get a properly exposed shot, you must balance these three settings, keeping in mind the desired look and feel.

3. Frame Rates – Creating the Right Motion

Frame rate refers to how many individual frames (images) are captured per second. The most common frame rate for cinematic video is 24 fps (frames per second), which gives the footage a natural, film-like motion. However, there are times when you might want to shoot at different frame rates for creative effects:

• 30 fps: Common for broadcast and online video.

• 60 fps: Perfect for capturing smooth motion in sports or fast action.

• 120 fps or 240 fps: Ideal for slow-motion shots, allowing you to create fluid, slowed-down action.

The key is to choose the frame rate based on the motion in your scene and how you want it to feel. Higher frame rates smooth out fast action, while slower ones can emphasize movement in a dramatic way.

4. Types of Shots and Framing – Composition and Perspective

Framing and shot selection are essential tools for storytelling. Different types of shots convey different emotions and ideas. Here are some common shot types and their uses:

• Wide Shots (WS): These shots show the subject in its environment, often used to establish the scene or setting.

• Medium Shots (MS): Usually framing from the waist up, these shots are great for conversations or focusing on characters.

• Close-Ups (CU): These focus on details like faces or objects, often used to emphasise emotion or important elements in the story.

• Over-the-Shoulder Shots (OTS): Common in dialogue scenes, these shots show the perspective of one character looking at another.

• Dutch Angles (Tilted shots): These shots can create a sense of unease or tension, making them popular in thrillers and horror films.

In addition to shot types, pay attention to composition. Follow the rule of thirds to avoid placing your subject in the centre of the frame all the time, and experiment with symmetry and leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye.

5. Lighting – The Key to Cinematic Quality

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of videography. It creates mood, emphasises elements of the scene, and can even convey themes or emotions. The two main types of lighting are natural and artificial:

• Natural Lighting: Utilising sunlight or ambient light is a common and cost-effective method for lighting a scene. You may need reflectors or diffusers to shape and control natural light.

• Artificial Lighting: For more control over lighting, filmmakers often use artificial lights like LEDs, tungsten lights, or softboxes. The three-point lighting setup (key light, fill light, and backlight) is a standard method for illuminating a subject.

Remember, the direction, intensity, and colour of light can all influence the mood of your shot. For example, harsh light from above can create shadows, while soft light can add warmth and a natural look.

6. Sound – Don’t Overlook This Essential Element

Sound is just as important as visuals in filmmaking. Bad audio can ruin even the most stunning visuals, so it’s essential to get your sound right.

Types of Sound:

• Dialogue: Use a good-quality microphone (e.g., lav mics or shotgun mics) to capture clear dialogue.

• Ambient Sound: Background noises like wind, traffic, or birdsong can help establish the atmosphere of the scene.

• Sound Effects (SFX): These are crucial for action scenes or adding texture to your audio landscape.

• Music: Music helps set the emotional tone of a scene but should be used thoughtfully to complement, not overpower, the visuals.

Invest in decent microphones, monitor audio levels during filming, and always sync sound in post-production if you’re using external mics.

7. Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

Mastering the technical aspects of videography—ISO, exposure, frame rates, shots, lighting, and sound—will allow you to create high-quality videos that engage and inform your audience. While the process may seem complex, each element is a tool that, when used correctly, enhances your storytelling. Take the time to experiment with each of these components, and over time, you’ll develop your own style and technique.