Framing and composition are two of the easiest ways to make your videos look better. You don’t need to buy anything new. You just need to think about how you place the subject in your frame. These visual tricks are used in movies, shows, and videos all the time. By learning just a few techniques, you can help people focus better on your subject. You also help tell the story in a clearer way. Even if you’re just using your phone camera, these tips work. When you use them together, you’ll notice that your video starts to feel more planned and thoughtful. Below are several helpful methods that will help you get started. They are easy to try and don’t cost money—just attention to detail and a little practice.

Use the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a popular idea in filmmaking. It helps you place your subject in a strong spot within your frame. To try it, imagine breaking your screen into nine equal parts using two vertical and two horizontal lines. Where the lines cross is where your viewer’s eyes are likely to look first. Putting your subject near one of those four points makes your shot feel more balanced and interesting.

Most cameras and smartphones let you turn on a grid that shows you these lines. With the grid on, it becomes easier to place your subject in a better spot. Try moving your subject slightly off-center and see how it feels. The shot usually looks more natural that way. You can also line up horizons with the top or bottom third instead of the middle. This gives your image a cleaner feel and makes the subject stand out more.

Look for Leading Lines

Leading lines help guide the viewer’s eyes to the subject. These are lines that come from roads, fences, hallways, or even buildings. You can find them anywhere. When used the right way, they pull attention to the place you want. For example, if your subject is standing in the middle of a path, the lines from the path help point straight at them.

This trick works well in both indoor and outdoor shots. You don’t need to add anything; just look at what’s already in your scene. Try placing your subject so that lines naturally lead toward them. This makes your shot feel more focused and adds a sense of direction. It can also help show where your subject is going or what they are looking at.

Pay Attention to Balance

Balance means making your shot feel even. If you have something large on one side of the frame and nothing on the other, the shot might feel too heavy or awkward. One way to fix this is by adding something to the empty side. This could be a lamp, a painting, or another object that fits the scene.

Balance also includes things like headroom and looking room. Headroom is the space between the top of your subject’s head and the top of the frame. It shouldn’t be too tight or too wide. Looking room is the space in front of a person’s face when they are turned to the side. Giving them space to “look into” feels more natural. If the space is behind them instead, it might look off. These small adjustments help make your composition look clean and relaxed.

Try Using Symmetry

Symmetry means both sides of the frame match or feel the same. It’s a useful method when you want to create calm or order in your shot. A lot of directors use symmetry to give a clean, pleasing look to scenes. One famous example is Wes Anderson. His movies often use very balanced, centered shots.

You can try symmetry by placing your subject right in the middle of the frame and building the scene evenly on both sides. Look at the background too. Two windows, two lamps, or any matching shapes can help create balance. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just a slight camera movement can help you line things up. This trick works well for interviews, portraits, and scenes that need to feel formal or quiet.

Add Depth to Your Frame

Depth makes your shot feel like it has layers. It shows that there is space between the subject and the background. The best way to do this is by using a wide aperture. This will blur the background and keep the subject in focus. That makes the viewer focus on the person or thing in the foreground.

If your subject is too close to a wall, you won’t get much depth. Try pulling the subject forward, away from the background. This creates space behind them and lets the background blur out more. You can also place something in the foreground, like a plant or a lamp. This adds another layer to your shot. The more layers you have—front, middle, and back—the more your frame feels alive and full.

Use Frame Within a Frame

This is when you use something in the scene to create a shape around your subject. You’re adding another frame inside the main frame. This might be a window, a doorway, a mirror, or even tree branches. It helps bring more attention to your subject and can make the shot feel creative or special.

It takes a bit of looking to find these chances, but they’re everywhere. Frame within a frame makes the viewer feel like they are peeking into a moment. It adds story and emotion to what might be a normal shot. You can also use it to separate your subject from the background or just make the scene look more stylish.

Focus on the Subject

All these tricks help with one main goal: showing the viewer what they should be looking at. Whether it’s a person or an object, your subject should be clear. When the background is too busy or the frame is messy, people don’t know where to look. Use composition to guide them.

That means using the rule of thirds, leading lines, depth, and balance to help keep attention where it belongs. If you want someone to care about the story you’re telling, you have to make sure they’re not distracted. Clear composition makes the story easier to follow. Keep your subject sharp, the background soft, and the frame clean.

Practice Makes It Easier

None of these techniques are hard, but they take practice. The more you use them, the more they become second nature. You don’t need fancy tools or expensive equipment. You just need to look at your frame and make small changes. Try turning on your grid lines. Look for lines in the scene. Check your balance and background.

Once you start using these tips, you’ll see your shots look more professional right away. And most important, your story will be clearer and easier for others to follow. Whether you’re making a short video, a vlog, or a film, good composition makes a big difference. Keep practicing and stay patient. Small changes add up to big improvements.