Tips for shooting 4:3

Jon Starr

Jon Starr

Veteran
Normally I'm a fan of 16:9, or basically any aspect ratio that will cut out the ground+sky. I find these aspect ratios to also be more natural as we don't look at the ground or sky, and we look at the world along the horizon.

Because of this, I'm no fan of 3:4. However we'll be shooting 16mm for an upcoming project. We have no choice but to do 3:4, which I'm okay with. I need to learn to shoot with this aspect ratio after all.

Now I know to pay attention to the rule of thirds and composition, however I'm wondering if any of you have any tricks? I was thinking of trying to do things symmetrically, but that could get boring after a while. Should I be working with the ceiling/sky and or ground with the shot? Any opinions on this?
 
I'm assuming you mean 4:3

Why would you shoot it any different than 16:9? The same rules apply, high angle, low angle, CU, LS, look room, eye lines... it just depends on the story.
Watch some older movies shot 4:3, or most of Kubrick's films.
 
Right, heh, 4:3.

I'll be sure to check some of that stuff out. I haven't used 4:3 much, but I've always felt it was hard to work with in terms of composition. And I tried to figure out why and came to the conclusion that it's not the way you view the world, and it can sometimes show too much of the ceiling and floor, or more of a persons body than you want.

This is why I was asking if anyone had tips in terms of composition and framing, not angles.

Meh, maybe I'm just thinking too much into something.
 
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Well a basic tip is to think whats at the root of 4:3. It's more of a vertical format meaning, good for city shots with tight tall buildings or tight narrow spaces. You wouldn't get amazing results, if you're shooting wide nature vistas as with a wider aspect ratio. Good luck!
 
We already shot it, and used lots of vertical lines to help the shots, and they came out looking wonderful. Thanks guys.

Yeah, rules of thirds I've been living by for years now, but thanks for the advice.
 
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