English visual techniques Flashcards
allusions
references to other images/visual media including: art, film, pop culture, religious icons
angles/vectors
The ‘direction’ of an image based on the angles or lines within it
body language
Facial expressions, body language and gestures used to show character’s attitudes, moods or personality
close-up shot
When the frame is mostly or entirely filled with a character’s face, an important object, etc. Used to create viewer focus and show that whatever is being shown is important.
colours
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.
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 viewer’s eyes.
high-angle shot
A shot taken from slightly above something/someone, looking down on it/them.
rule of thirds
By dividing an image into equal thirds along the horizontal, the vertical axis you can break it into 9 equal sections which each have different connotations
POV
How the shot is framed in reference to the viewer or a character.
positioning
Where have objects and characters been placed in the shot
salience
How much any section of an image draws the viewer’s eyes
symbolism
The use of one image/object to represent an idea or concept that is more complex than it is
