03language of the lens
THE LENS IN STORYTELLING
The language of the lens encompasses how the lens mediates and interprets the physical world for us; how it “renders” the image in different ways that can be used for effective visual storytelling. It is important for both the DP and the director to understand how lenses can be used and what effects can be achieved for particular visual purposes in the story. In this discussion, it includes also the placement of the lens which is an important directorial decision in framing up any shot—placement works together with the optical characteristics of the lens in creating the overall effect. The key optical aspects of a lens include:
- Perspective
- Compression or expansion
- Soft/hard
- Contrast
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