“The painter constructs, the photographer discloses.”
In Chapter Two we examine the way images tend to work in short form content. Given how limited short form is in terms of duration, we need the imagery we use to do a lot of work. In order to have a jumping off point for our look at images and short form we begin by breaking down the four main things we will usually ask an image to do.
- The list begins with basic informational content, as every image in short form will usually supply some amount of narrative information.
- The second thing you want in almost all short form imagery is motion, either within the frame or with the camera (or both).
- Third, any image in a piece of short form should be able to attract attention.
- Lastly, in short form we want every image to be able to evoke an emotional response in the viewer.
VIDEO SAMPLES
Chapter Two
“A generic stock image is a cost-effective way of signaling to people that you have nothing different or worthwhile to say.”
Lee Clow’s Beard, #leeclowsbeard
“… what makes images unique as a mode of communication is precisely the fact that they are not merely another form of arbitrary signification.”
Paul Messaris – Lev Kuleshov Professor of Communication, University of Pennsylvania
“… we need the imagery we use to be emotionally impactful on its own.”
The Art of Short Form Content
“… photographs, unlike paintings and words, reveal actual events and offer testimony to truth and falsehoods concerning reality.”
The Art of Short Form Content
“… evoking an emotional response in the viewer is a huge part of what we as short form content creators are tasked with doing, and one of the best weapons we have for pulling this off is the images we use.”
The Art of Short Form Content
“The minute a story is attached to a beautifully designed piece of type, a clever animation transition or cinematic piece of footage it takes on a whole new layer of intrigue.”
Gentleman Scholar
“Its important to know why any one thing is happening. Why is the story this story? Why is the type this type, or the character this character? If you can define the “why” within your choices then there is a good chance your choices are going to hit the mark.”
Gentleman Scholar
THE ART OF SHORT FORM CONTENT
Copyright 2016 Bryan Cook. All Rights Reserved