Uploaded December 2021 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
Creating Emphasis, Eye Trace or a FOCAL POINT is a visual strategy that aims to attract, direct and/or control the viewer’s attention. The idea is to create a focal point, or an eye-catching part of the composition that is not only distinct from the rest of the frame, but also has the most significance. This video covers 10 different cinematic techniques that you can use, often in combination with each other, to either create and/or manipulate the emphasis or focal point of your shots.
🎬My Cinematic Filmmaking Techniques Video Series:
Part 1: SHOT SIZES | youtube.com/watch?v=53C4JPULu68
Part 2: CAMERA ANGLES | youtube.com/watch?v=pR8_IBA3qmg
Part 3: FRAMING + COMPOSITION | youtube.com/watch?v=QY7lYEsUXaA
Part 4: CAMERA MOVEMENTS | youtube.com/watch?v=5ODCB1Ez5Zs
Part 5: FOCAL POINT | youtube.com/watch?v=FZVKrSfYCr0
Part 6: SHOT MOTIVATION | youtube.com/watch?v=eECgr_IN4d4
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:52 1) Central-Framing
1:52 2) Leading Lines
2:35 3) One-Point Perspective
3:06 4) Frame within a Frame
4:45 5) Isolation/Unusual Emphasis
5:24 6) Shot Size/Proximity
6:22 7) Depth of Field
7:32 8) Color Contrast/Value
8:43 9) Light & Dark
10:21 10) Movement
12:54 Outro
🧦 FTC Legal Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something, and it's a great way to support me and my channel!
📷 GEAR THAT I USE:
Main Camera (Panasonic G9): amzn.to/3npo1Rl
Wide Lens (Sigma 16mm): amzn.to/3sXsCvu
Portrait Lens (Sigma 30mm): amzn.to/3gEcgVO
Camera Shotgun Mic (Sennheiser MKE600): amzn.to/3vgArOg
USB Desktop Mic (Blue Yeti): amzn.to/3dOtjTe
Second Camera (Panasonic G85): amzn.to/3aAqgfu
📞CONTACT ME:
sdolinski@me.com
📺 ABOUT MY CHANNEL
Hi! My name is Shawn Dolinski of the Digital Workshop! I am a high school filmmaking, photography and animation teacher and I make YouTube Video Tutorials for everyday, average, regular people like you and me. My Tutorials are meant to help you learn how to make the most out the equipment and software that you have (or that you can afford) taking you from beginner to pro along the way. So if you want videos that are clear, helpful & straight to point, then this is the channel for you! Enjoy!
Creating Emphasis, Eye Trace or a FOCAL POINT is a visual strategy that aims to attract, direct and/or control the viewer’s attention. The idea is to create a focal point, or an eye-catching part of the composition that is not only distinct from the rest of the frame, but also has the most significance. This video covers 10 different cinematic techniques that you can use, often in combination with each other, to either create and/or manipulate the emphasis or focal point of your shots.
🎬My Cinematic Filmmaking Techniques Video Series:
Part 1: SHOT SIZES | youtube.com/watch?v=53C4JPULu68
Part 2: CAMERA ANGLES | youtube.com/watch?v=pR8_IBA3qmg
Part 3: FRAMING + COMPOSITION | youtube.com/watch?v=QY7lYEsUXaA
Part 4: CAMERA MOVEMENTS | youtube.com/watch?v=5ODCB1Ez5Zs
Part 5: FOCAL POINT | youtube.com/watch?v=FZVKrSfYCr0
Part 6: SHOT MOTIVATION | youtube.com/watch?v=eECgr_IN4d4
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:52 1) Central-Framing
1:52 2) Leading Lines
2:35 3) One-Point Perspective
3:06 4) Frame within a Frame
4:45 5) Isolation/Unusual Emphasis
5:24 6) Shot Size/Proximity
6:22 7) Depth of Field
7:32 8) Color Contrast/Value
8:43 9) Light & Dark
10:21 10) Movement
12:54 Outro
🧦 FTC Legal Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something, and it's a great way to support me and my channel!
📷 GEAR THAT I USE:
Main Camera (Panasonic G9): amzn.to/3npo1Rl
Wide Lens (Sigma 16mm): amzn.to/3sXsCvu
Portrait Lens (Sigma 30mm): amzn.to/3gEcgVO
Camera Shotgun Mic (Sennheiser MKE600): amzn.to/3vgArOg
USB Desktop Mic (Blue Yeti): amzn.to/3dOtjTe
Second Camera (Panasonic G85): amzn.to/3aAqgfu
📞CONTACT ME:
sdolinski@me.com
📺 ABOUT MY CHANNEL
Hi! My name is Shawn Dolinski of the Digital Workshop! I am a high school filmmaking, photography and animation teacher and I make YouTube Video Tutorials for everyday, average, regular people like you and me. My Tutorials are meant to help you learn how to make the most out the equipment and software that you have (or that you can afford) taking you from beginner to pro along the way. So if you want videos that are clear, helpful & straight to point, then this is the channel for you! Enjoy!
