I’d like to share a list of documentary films that I enjoyed in 2023. They are all available on YouTube, and I’ve linked them below.
- A photographic tour of Manhattan’s Chinatown, following its evolution as the community shrinks
- The Earthing Movie: The Remarkable Science of Grounding (full documentary)
- The Art of Listening – Music Documentary (2021)
So well-produced and filmed, make sure to check them out.
Why documentaries?
Documentaries provide a window into the world around us, offering an in-depth look at people’s lives. It’s important to note that documentaries aren’t always 100% truthful and raw. There’s always an angle or perspective from the filmmaker. It’s subjective, not a news piece. Therefore, I understand that there’s always some staged and scripted content in every film, but it’s part of the storytelling.
What can photographers learn from watching docu series?
We can learn composition and storytelling through the various types of shots. In general, there are four main types:
1. Establishing shot
This is typically the first shot of the sequence and provides a wide view of the scene, giving the audience a sense of the overall setting.
2. Environmental portraits
Commonly seen in interviews, where the subject’s talking head is shown in their own room, surrounded by relevant items.
3. Cutaways
Snippets and details of the subject, such as playing an instrument or engaging in daily activities. They are usually handheld closeups serve as cutaways in the interview.
4. Mood shots
Cinematic and sometimes abstract, such as a timelapse of a sunrise or sunset. They serve as a breather between scenes.
As you can see, there’s something for every genre, particularly for street photographers. You can learn how to portray the subject from various angles. For instance, this shot of the musician working in his studio. The composition is carefully designed, with the keyboard knobs included in the foreground and the musician’s head positioned among the soundproof panels on the ceiling.
The camera person is utilizing every inch of this room or attic to ensure there’s a foreground, middle ground, and background—three layers. As an audience, can you spot that? I really appreciate the effort.
Videos and films are just a sequence of frames arranged in a specific order, that involves continuity and rhythm. Try to see through the lens of a photographer, there is much to learn from.
How to incorporate them in real life?
For example, if the scene is set in a coffee shop, these are the sequences of shots that I would take to guide the audience to the story. This is % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama.
Establishing shot
Environmental portraits
Cutaways
Mood Shot
I hope you enjoyed this one. Thanks for reading!