Before filming for any type of research it is very important to decide who or what will be the focus of the video. This decision will heavily depend on the research questions. In any environment, controlled or not, many things happen at the same time, and too often we think that video will capture everything.  This can’t be further from the truth!

Video data will be limited by the the recorded frame. During pre-production it is important to ask:  What do I need to capture? Will following the subject or a fixed camera record what is needed? What type of framing should be utilized?

Different Types of Framing (with classroom examples)

1. Zone of Interaction (ZOI): ZOI is not a specific framing technique, but it describes the space in which the action is being documented. For example, if a student is near a white board writing something while the teacher is asking her some questions, the ZOI is the teacher, student, and the white board.
2. Master Shot: Also called the establishing shot. Master shot is the widest shot possible and it gives the viewer the most information. This shot is established through zooming out as much as possible.
3. Medium Shot: A shot focusing on a single individual or a large object. Generally an individual in a medium shot will be framed from their thigh or waist to 6 inches above their head.
4. Close Up: A shot that is zoomed in on the details of a single individual or subject. These shots could be what the teacher is pointing at on the board or what the students are writing at their desks.
5. Group/Two Shot: This is a shot framing the teacher or the student with a single or a group of other individuals. With this shot you will be able to focus on the interaction, but the framing will be tight enough to be not distracted by other things happening in the environment.