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Reviewed - USA Today

Cinematography

Case Study: Frost/Nixon

Visual Storytelling: Cinematic Techniques

Nonfiction Cinematography

Martin's Education

Developing Your Style

Finding the Story

Understanding Cinematography

Photo Studies: Mountain Architecture

Introduction

Editing

Finding Your Personal Story

Exploring the Big Idea in Film

Vision

Direct With Honest Leadership

Refine and Compose the Final Details

Apply Literary Techniques to Films

The Art of Low-Budget Filmmaking

Editing: Part 1

Editing: Principles

Directing & Technology

Financing First Films

Camera: Shooting Strategy

Camera: Cinematography

Career Strategy

Spike's Film 101s Pt. 1

Collaborating With Your Director of Photography

Closing

Stretching Your Budget

On-Set Directing

Directing: Shooting Comedy

Breaking the Rules

Prep and Moving Into the Doing

Connecting With Your Audience

Technical Best Practices: Cameras, Lenses, Lighting

Creating Better Visuals: B-Roll and Editing

Create Great Films on a Budget

THE TERMINATOR Club Scene Breakdown

Scene Deconstruction: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Frost/Nixon: Staging Review

Editing: Part 2

Film Acting Technique, Part 2

Demo: Working With the Set, Props, and Camera

Locations

Working With Your Cinematographer

Jodie’s Short Film: Constructing a Scene

Case Study: The Dark Knight

Directing Dance for the Screen

Direct Vivid Film Scenes

The Artist's Responsibility

Anticipating What Consumers Want

Beginnings

Invaded by Images: Part 1

Film as an Agent of Change

Discovering Your Unique Voice

Go Tell Your Story

Conclusion

Film Culturally Rich Stories

Meet Your Instructor: James Cameron

Making Your Way and Leading With Passion

Choosing a Story

Working with Cinematographers

Find a Story You Love

Finding Your Way

Teach Yourself Storytelling: Watch Films

Telling the Story: Monsoon Wedding

Adapt and Embrace the Pivot

Ignite Passion Through Cinematography

Telling A True Story

Production Design

Promoting Your Film

Developing Your Character Through Research

Spike's Film 101s Pt. 2

Audience Feedback

Build Your Team

Produce Historical Films Skillfully

Toying With the Audience: Building and Releasing Tension

AVATAR Creating Technology

Working with Actors: Part 1

Treatments, Pitching, and Funding

Editing: Process

Sharing Your Film

Showrunning

Directing Actors

Directors: Part 3

How to Develop a Music Video

Turn Your Artistic Vision into Reality

Film & TV

Teaches Filmmaking

James Cameron

Teaches Comedy

Steve Martin

Steve Martin Teaches Comedy

Teaches Acting

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson Teaches Acting

Teaches Screenwriting

Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting

Teaches Directing

Ron Howard

A Documentary by Academy Award Nominee Andrea Nevins

The Cowboy and the Queen

A Documentary by Andrea Nevins

Teaches Documentary Filmmaking

Ken Burns

Teach Developing an Original TV Series

The Duffer Brothers

The Duffer Brothers Teach Developing an Original TV Series

Scripting Your Own Success

Mindy Kaling

Teaches Writing for Television

Shonda Rhimes

Martin Scorsese

A Documentary Film From Artist JR

Tehachapi

A Documentary by Artist JR

Werner Herzog

Teaches Music for Film

Danny Elfman

Teaches Independent Filmmaking

Spike Lee

Teaches Voice Acting

Nancy Cartwright

Nancy Cartwright Teaches Voice Acting

Mira Nair

Teaches Creating Outside the Lines

Issa Rae

Issa Rae Teaches Creating Outside the Lines

Icons and Their Influences

Talking Shop

Jodie Foster

Judd Apatow

Teaches Film Scoring

Hans Zimmer

Teaches Creativity and Film

David Lynch

Ava DuVernay

Teaches Creativity in Choreography

Parris Goebel

[Petra Collins](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/petra-collins) is a Toronto-born artist whose photography explores contemporary femininity, identity, self-discovery, the female gaze, and other matters important to the millennial generation. She first gained recognition for her work on social media. 

The Canadian artist has photographed or directed ads for international brands Adidas, Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, Stella McCartney, and others. Among her directing credits are several short films and music videos for artists Cardi B, Selena Gomez, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Olivia Rodrigo. Petra’s work has appeared in exhibitions in New York, San Francisco, and Toronto, as well as at Miami’s Art Basel.
Portrait photography is a style of photography that portrays human subjects. It has a range of approaches and applications, including magazine covers, family portraits, and contemporary fine art. The most traditional portrait is a close-up of the subject’s face, usually at eye level and making eye contact.
Most portrait photographers use simple equipment for their shots—at the most basic, you’ll need an SLR, DSLR or mirrorless camera, depending on whether you want to shoot film or digital. Many portrait photographers also use a prime lens in the 85–135 range (these [focal lengths](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/basic-photography-101-guide-to-understanding-focal-length) provide the sharpest result without widening or flattening the subject). Avoid telephoto lenses, zoom lenses, and wide-angle lenses since these are unnecessary and can distort your subject’s features. You may also want a tripod, lighting, and a backdrop.

> “It doesn’t really matter what [camera] you use. It’s who you are behind the camera.”—Petra Collins
Portraiture usually emphasizes camera settings that allow for sharp focus on the subject’s eyes, with high lighting (natural light, camera flash, or a studio light source with reflectors) to accentuate their features. If you use a tripod, skip the presets and shoot in Manual Mode for maximum customizability. Since camera shake is less of an issue with tripod photography, you can slow your [shutter speed](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/basic-photography-101-understanding-shutter-speed-alt-title-for-title-tag-photography-101-what-is-shutter-speed-with-video), helping you use all available light (and when slowing your shutter speed, use a low [ISO](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-about-photography-what-is-iso) setting of 100-400). 

> “I shoot a lot in low light, and I like to use a really low shutter speed. I sort of discovered that by accident because I had accidentally put my camera on a low shutter speed. And I noticed that when it’s on this low shutter speed, you can capture this beautiful fluid movement.”—Petra Collins

When you shoot portraits with a handheld camera, shoot in Aperture Priority mode to allow for different angles and lighting by adjusting the amount of light entering the camera through the lens. To compensate for the additional movement of handheld photography, increase your shutter speed to 1/200th or higher, then compensate for this by raising the ISO.

Acclaimed photographer Petra Collins emphasizes that taking great portrait photos is more than just having the best camera or a shallow depth of field. Here are a few tips and photography techniques from Petra to help you take better portraits and make the most of your photoshoots:

1. __Consider the conscious choices of lighting setups__. From golden hour to backlighting, Petra likes to think about the different effects you achieve with your lighting conditions and choices. “With source lighting, it’s something that you’re creating,” she explains. “So you have a little more power over your subject when you’re using these lights.” On the other hand, natural light offers the opposite experience. “[With] given light, you’re kind of at the mercy of nature. You’re at the mercy of whatever space you’re in,” Petra explains. “These two things tell totally different stories.” And it’s up to you to decide which type of lighting—whether soft light or low light—is appropriate for each given portrait scenario. 
2. __Create a safe space for the subject__. It’s easy for a person to get self-conscious once they’re in front of the camera. “One of the most important parts of taking a portrait is making my subject feel comfortable throughout the process,” Petra says. “Always remember that you are taking photos of another person.” She uses several techniques to help create a safe, comfortable, collaborative space—including kicking off a portrait session with talking, walking around the space, talking about what music they can play in the background, and collaborating on the vision for the portraits. 
3. __Establish a balance between you and the subject__. According to Petra, a good portrait should create a balance between you and the subject. “[A portrait] means the connection that the photographer has with the subject, how the subject feels, and how to best represent that,” she explains. “The first thing that I consider when taking portraits is what I want to reveal from my subject or what they want me to reveal. . . . You don’t want to lean too heavy into what you want. You want to make sure that your subject has a fair chance at being viewed,” she says. Talk with your subject about what they hope to <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> with their portrait, what facial features or personality traits they’d like to highlight, and how they want viewers to think about them. When shooting a self-portrait, consider the relationship between you and the camera as both subject and photographer.
4. __Identify the essence of the message__. Feel free to experiment with the concept of a portrait to really get at what you and your subject want to say. “A portrait doesn’t have to be just a straight-on photo,” Petra says. “A portrait can be a lock of a person’s hair, or it can be the back of a person’s head. A portrait just means capturing a person’s essence.” Use your imagination to capture a stunning portrait for each subject rather than relying on the idea of a simple headshot every time—and remember, the best portrait may be one that’s unexpected.
5. __Think carefully about the location__. “Anywhere you shoot has meaning,” Petra explains. “You have to consider whether or not you want to go into someone’s personal space or take them out and put them in a totally different space.” Each choice creates a significant effect in the final portraits—from [environmental portraits](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/environmental-portrait-guide) (shots of people that also contain a sense of place) to professional portraits with blurry, bokeh backgrounds. An outdoor portrait will create a different feeling than one taken in a photography studio with focused portrait lighting, so consider what effects you and your subject are hoping to achieve. 
6. __Use color to tell a story__. Color is one of the most essential parts of a composition for Petra. “It took me a while to . . . ease into this and figure out that everything that I photograph has a specific tone,” she explains. “I’m always looking for where I can apply color or how the color can . . . tell the stories.” She recommends that you “figure out what color means to you and figure out how you see it, because all of us see it differently.” You may find that you prefer bright colors, subdued tones, or even [black-and-white photography](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-black-and-white-photography-tips) to tell your stories.
Become a better photographer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Petra Collins, Jimmy Chin, Annie Leibovitz, Tyler Mitchell, and more.
Artist and director Petra Collins believes your relationship with your subject is far more important than your equipment. Get Petra’s portrait photography tips for developing your style and making your subject comfortable.

Artist and director Petra Collins believes your relationship with your subject is far more important than your equipment. Get Petra’s portrait photography tips for developing your style and making your subject comfortable.

Petra Collins’s Portrait Photography Tips

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/petra-collins' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/petra-collins","linkCopy":"Petra Collins","category":null}'>Petra Collins</a> is a Toronto-born artist whose photography explores contemporary femininity, identity, self-discovery, the female gaze, and other matters important to the millennial generation. She first gained recognition for her work on social media. The Canadian artist has photographed or directed ads for international brands Adidas, Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, Stella McCartney, and others. Among her directing credits are several short films and music videos for artists Cardi B, Selena Gomez, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Olivia Rodrigo. Petra’s work has appeared in exhibitions in New York, San Francisco, and Toronto, as well as at Miami’s Art Basel.

Who Is Petra Collins?

Portrait photography is a style of photography that portrays human subjects. It has a range of approaches and applications, including magazine covers, family portraits, and contemporary fine art. The most traditional portrait is a close-up of the subject’s face, usually at eye level and making eye contact.

What Is Portrait Photography?

Most portrait photographers use simple equipment for their shots—at the most basic, you’ll need an SLR, DSLR or mirrorless camera, depending on whether you want to shoot film or digital. Many portrait photographers also use a prime lens in the 85–135 range (these <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/basic-photography-101-guide-to-understanding-focal-length' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/basic-photography-101-guide-to-understanding-focal-length","linkCopy":"focal lengths","category":null}'>focal lengths</a> provide the sharpest result without widening or flattening the subject). Avoid telephoto lenses, zoom lenses, and wide-angle lenses since these are unnecessary and can distort your subject’s features. You may also want a tripod, lighting, and a backdrop.<blockquote class="mc-text--italic mc-opacity--hinted mc-my-8 mc-mr-0 mc-ml-6 mc-pl-6">“It doesn’t really matter what [camera] you use. It’s who you are behind the camera.”—Petra Collins</blockquote>

What Equipment Do You Need for Portrait Photography? 

Portraiture usually emphasizes camera settings that allow for sharp focus on the subject’s eyes, with high lighting (natural light, camera flash, or a studio light source with reflectors) to accentuate their features. If you use a tripod, skip the presets and shoot in Manual Mode for maximum customizability. Since camera shake is less of an issue with tripod photography, you can slow your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/basic-photography-101-understanding-shutter-speed-alt-title-for-title-tag-photography-101-what-is-shutter-speed-with-video' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/basic-photography-101-understanding-shutter-speed-alt-title-for-title-tag-photography-101-what-is-shutter-speed-with-video","linkCopy":"shutter speed","category":null}'>shutter speed</a>, helping you use all available light (and when slowing your shutter speed, use a low <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-about-photography-what-is-iso' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-about-photography-what-is-iso","linkCopy":"ISO","category":null}'>ISO</a> setting of 100-400). <blockquote class="mc-text--italic mc-opacity--hinted mc-my-8 mc-mr-0 mc-ml-6 mc-pl-6">“I shoot a lot in low light, and I like to use a really low shutter speed. I sort of discovered that by accident because I had accidentally put my camera on a low shutter speed. And I noticed that when it’s on this low shutter speed, you can capture this beautiful fluid movement.”—Petra Collins</blockquote>When you shoot portraits with a handheld camera, shoot in Aperture Priority mode to allow for different angles and lighting by adjusting the amount of light entering the camera through the lens. To compensate for the additional movement of handheld photography, increase your shutter speed to 1/200th or higher, then compensate for this by raising the ISO.

What Are the Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography?

Acclaimed photographer Petra Collins emphasizes that taking great portrait photos is more than just having the best camera or a shallow depth of field. Here are a few tips and photography techniques from Petra to help you take better portraits and make the most of your photoshoots:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Consider the conscious choices of lighting setups. From golden hour to backlighting, Petra likes to think about the different effects you achieve with your lighting conditions and choices. “With source lighting, it’s something that you’re creating,” she explains. “So you have a little more power over your subject when you’re using these lights.” On the other hand, natural light offers the opposite experience. “[With] given light, you’re kind of at the mercy of nature. You’re at the mercy of whatever space you’re in,” Petra explains. “These two things tell totally different stories.” And it’s up to you to decide which type of lighting—whether soft light or low light—is appropriate for each given portrait scenario. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Create a safe space for the subject. It’s easy for a person to get self-conscious once they’re in front of the camera. “One of the most important parts of taking a portrait is making my subject feel comfortable throughout the process,” Petra says. “Always remember that you are taking photos of another person.” She uses several techniques to help create a safe, comfortable, collaborative space—including kicking off a portrait session with talking, walking around the space, talking about what music they can play in the background, and collaborating on the vision for the portraits. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Establish a balance between you and the subject. According to Petra, a good portrait should create a balance between you and the subject. “[A portrait] means the connection that the photographer has with the subject, how the subject feels, and how to best represent that,” she explains. “The first thing that I consider when taking portraits is what I want to reveal from my subject or what they want me to reveal. . . . You don’t want to lean too heavy into what you want. You want to make sure that your subject has a fair chance at being viewed,” she says. Talk with your subject about what they hope to <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> with their portrait, what facial features or personality traits they’d like to highlight, and how they want viewers to think about them. When shooting a self-portrait, consider the relationship between you and the camera as both subject and photographer. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Identify the essence of the message. Feel free to experiment with the concept of a portrait to really get at what you and your subject want to say. “A portrait doesn’t have to be just a straight-on photo,” Petra says. “A portrait can be a lock of a person’s hair, or it can be the back of a person’s head. A portrait just means capturing a person’s essence.” Use your imagination to capture a stunning portrait for each subject rather than relying on the idea of a simple headshot every time—and remember, the best portrait may be one that’s unexpected. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Think carefully about the location. “Anywhere you shoot has meaning,” Petra explains. “You have to consider whether or not you want to go into someone’s personal space or take them out and put them in a totally different space.” Each choice creates a significant effect in the final portraits—from <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/environmental-portrait-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/environmental-portrait-guide","linkCopy":"environmental portraits","category":null}'>environmental portraits</a> (shots of people that also contain a sense of place) to professional portraits with blurry, bokeh backgrounds. An outdoor portrait will create a different feeling than one taken in a photography studio with focused portrait lighting, so consider what effects you and your subject are hoping to achieve. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Use color to tell a story. Color is one of the most essential parts of a composition for Petra. “It took me a while to . . . ease into this and figure out that everything that I photograph has a specific tone,” she explains. “I’m always looking for where I can apply color or how the color can . . . tell the stories.” She recommends that you “figure out what color means to you and figure out how you see it, because all of us see it differently.” You may find that you prefer bright colors, subdued tones, or even <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-black-and-white-photography-tips' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-best-black-and-white-photography-tips","linkCopy":"black-and-white photography","category":null}'>black-and-white photography</a> to tell your stories. </li></ol>

6 Portrait Photography Tips From Petra Collins

Become a better photographer with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Petra Collins, Jimmy Chin, Annie Leibovitz, Tyler Mitchell, and more.

Want to Learn More About Photography?

Artist and director Petra Collins believes your relationship with your subject is far more important than your equipment. Get Petra’s portrait photography tips for developing your style and making your subject comfortable.

Artist and director Petra Collins believes your relationship with your subject is far more important than your equipment. Get Petra’s portrait photography tips for developing your style and making your subject comfortable.


Petra Collins looking through the viewfinder of her camera.

portrait-photography-tips

Exposition is a literary term that refers to the background information the audience needs to know for the world of your story to make sense. (Another definition of exposition is the technique of providing this kind of information in a story or film.) Exposition includes anything from character introductions to set details and dialogue, and is most common at the beginning of the story.

The main purpose of exposition is to illuminate the motivations of a film’s characters, as well as the crucial details and circumstances that define their dramatic situation. Effective exposition adds vital, interesting information to the world of the story so that the audience can comprehend the central dramatic narrative. Exposition can also be used to foreshadow an important event, or justify a character’s skills and decisions. 
There are several ways to use exposition to convey the background of the characters and events in a film. Here are some of the most popular types of exposition.

1. __Dialogue__. A conversation between two or more characters allows for simple and effective exposition in a single scene. 
2. __Narration__. Narration, or voiceover, is a way to <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> a character’s true thoughts and desires, or give omniscient insight into a situation. 
3. __Mise-en-scène__. [Mise-en-scène are props and other things that are seen](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mise-en-scene-in-film), but not heard, in a scene. These details, while seemingly subtle, can convey a significant amount of information in a short amount of time. 
4. __Text or title cards__. Perhaps the most straightforward method, text or title cards can contain all the relevant information your audience will need to know, before the film even begins. 
5. __Flashback__. There are multiple ways to convey past events in a present narrative, but flashbacks are the most visual as they place your character in context (versus having them simply recount the event, as they might in dialogue or narration). 

To illustrate how effective exposition can enhance a film and captivate an audience, here are five examples of exposition through the years.

1. __“Rear Window” (1954)__: Director Alfred Hitchcock is a master of exposition, and this film is a perfect example. Hitchcock uses a continuous, three-minute shot to introduce the viewer to Jeff’s neighbors via their daily habits, as well as the mise-en-scène of their apartments. This expository scene gives viewers a taste of the voyeurism that is to come, and drops hints about how each character will figure into the story.
2. __“GoodFellas” (1990)__: Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed mob movie makes extensive use of voiceover from main character Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) to deliver exposition. However, perhaps the best example of exposition in the film is when Henry leads his girlfriend, Karen, through the back entrance of a nightclub. The respect Henry receives from every person he sees, along with exclusivity and security of their route, tell us everything we need to know about what it means to be a gangster.
3. __“Shaun of the Dead” (2004)__: TV news and radio are often used as vehicles to deliver exposition in film. But director Edgar Wright puts a unique spin on the technique in this exposition example: rather than witnessing a continuous news segment, the viewer experiences this information in bits and pieces as bored and distracted main character Shaun flips through TV channels and wanders to a convenience store. The comedy of Shaun’s obliviousness, along with the tension of the scene, make for effective exposition.
4. __“Up” (2009)__: In what is also an excellent example of a [film montage](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-montage-in-filmmaking-how-to-create-a-memorable-montage), “Up” opens with a series of images that guide us through main character Carl Fredriksen’s relationship with his wife, Ellie. In the span of just a couple of dialogue-free minutes, we experience the joy, love, and loss of the couple’s many years together. This scene is one of the best examples of exposition in recent film history. In fact, film critic Peter Bradshaw called the montage “a masterclass in narrative exposition.”
5. __“I, Tonya” (2017)__: In this example of exposition, main character Tonya Harding (played by Margot Robbie) “<a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-breaking-the-fourth-wall-works-in-film-and-tv' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-breaking-the-fourth-wall-works-in-film-and-tv","linkCopy":"breaks the fourth wall","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>breaks the fourth wall</a>” to deliver key information about her life. The technique works, in part, because these scenes also reveal Tonya’s character in interesting ways, highlighting her resentment and stubbornness as well as her grit and determination to succeed as an Olympic figure skater.

You know the world of your story inside out, but now it's time to put it on paper and share it with audiences. If you're struggling with finding a good starting point or balancing how much information to present, try the following tips for effective expository writing.

1. __Show, don’t tell__. Movies are a form of visual storytelling, which is why one of the basic tenets of <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter","linkCopy":"screenwriting","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>screenwriting</a> is to “show, don’t tell.” This means that you should always “show” things to the audience through action or character behavior as opposed to simply “telling” the audience. If you “show, don’t tell” well, you might not even need an exposition. 
2. __Weave exposition into the rising action__. Good exposition is laid out without impeding the story and is seamlessly embedded within a scene. Move the central dramatic narrative forward at the same time that you lay out exposition. Describe how a bomb works at the same time as the hero is trying to detonate it. Explain how evil a bad guy is as the hero is actively running away from him.
3. __Supplement the visuals__. Use narration or voice-over to add to the action that is taking place on screen. While some visual clues are better left for the audience to decipher, others can benefit from the clarity or context that a narrator can provide with supplemental information.
4. <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-tips-for-developing-strong-characters' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-tips-for-developing-strong-characters","linkCopy":"Create characters","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>Create characters</a> who act as a “stand in” for the audience. One way to get through exposition in your screenplay is to have at least one character early on who is a stand-in for the audience; Rashida Jones’s character in *The Social Network*, or Chrisann in *Steve Jobs* for example, because they ask questions of the main character that the audience might have. He or she will help introduce the characters and the world without causing viewers to be bogged down with excessive or conspicuous exposition.
5. __Use arguments to your advantage__. In real life, arguments naturally escalate and romantic partners often bring up past events during fights making it an ideal scene to slip in background information. A fight about household duties between lovers can escalate to the point where the wife brings up her husband’s infidelity from 15 years earlier. This exposition feels natural because we believe that the wife may not be over the past infidelity and would mention it in the heat of the moment.
6. __Be brief—less is more__. Only say as much as you need to for the audience to understand the story. Try writing a monologue for your character, exploring his or her entire background and back story. Then, start chipping away at it. How much of this information is important, and how much is ancillary detail? How much can you show in the mise en scène versus having to say out loud? For example, does the character need to tell us they went to university, or can they throw on a college sweatshirt or stand in front of a framed diploma? 
7. __Give your characters subject-matter expertise__. Let’s say you need to explain how a virus is slowly decimating the entire human race. Instead of having a lay person google the information in a scene, write a dynamic scientist character who has been researching this virus for years, is an expert on the topic, and whose job it is to provide information about the virus to others. For example, you could write a scene where the scientist explains how the virus works to the U.N. or has to go on CNN to explain it to the masses as this feels like an authentic thing that would happen in the world of the story.

Whether you’re an aspiring blockbuster director or have dreams of changing the world with your independent film, navigating the world of scripts and screenplays can be daunting. No one knows this better than [Jodie Foster](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/jodie-foster-teaches-filmmaking). In Jodie Foster’s MasterClass on filmmaking, the two-time Oscar-winner talks about her experience on both sides of the camera and reveals insights into every step of the filmmaking process, from storyboarding to casting and camera coverage.

Want to become a better filmmaker? [The MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) provides exclusive video lessons from master filmmakers, including Jodie Foster, Judd Apatow, Martin Scorcese, David Lynch, Spike Lee, Aaron Sorkin, and more.

From the classic opener “Once upon a time…” to the famous *Star Wars* sequence “In a galaxy far, far away…”, some exposition is necessary in every film. Writing effective exposition, however, is an art form. Learn how to best introduce characters, backstory, and [plot points](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-first-plot-point-of-your-story) below.

From the classic opener “Once upon a time…” to the famous *Star Wars* sequence “In a galaxy far, far away…”, some exposition is necessary in every film. Writing effective exposition, however, is an art form. Learn how to best introduce characters, backstory, and [plot points](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-first-plot-point-of-your-story) below.


What Is Exposition in Film? How to Write Exposition in 7 Easy Steps

Exposition is a literary term that refers to the background information the audience needs to know for the world of your story to make sense. (Another definition of exposition is the technique of providing this kind of information in a story or film.) Exposition includes anything from character introductions to set details and dialogue, and is most common at the beginning of the story.

What Is Exposition?

The main purpose of exposition is to illuminate the motivations of a film’s characters, as well as the crucial details and circumstances that define their dramatic situation. Effective exposition adds vital, interesting information to the world of the story so that the audience can comprehend the central dramatic narrative. Exposition can also be used to foreshadow an important event, or justify a character’s skills and decisions.

What Is the Purpose of Exposition?

There are several ways to use exposition to convey the background of the characters and events in a film. Here are some of the most popular types of exposition.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Dialogue. A conversation between two or more characters allows for simple and effective exposition in a single scene. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Narration. Narration, or voiceover, is a way to <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> a character’s true thoughts and desires, or give omniscient insight into a situation. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Mise-en-scène. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mise-en-scene-in-film' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mise-en-scene-in-film","linkCopy":"Mise-en-scène are props and other things that are seen","category":null}'>Mise-en-scène are props and other things that are seen</a>, but not heard, in a scene. These details, while seemingly subtle, can convey a significant amount of information in a short amount of time. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Text or title cards. Perhaps the most straightforward method, text or title cards can contain all the relevant information your audience will need to know, before the film even begins. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Flashback. There are multiple ways to convey past events in a present narrative, but flashbacks are the most visual as they place your character in context (versus having them simply recount the event, as they might in dialogue or narration). </li></ol>

How to Write Exposition With 5 Different Exposition Techniques

To illustrate how effective exposition can enhance a film and captivate an audience, here are five examples of exposition through the years.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. “Rear Window” (1954): Director Alfred Hitchcock is a master of exposition, and this film is a perfect example. Hitchcock uses a continuous, three-minute shot to introduce the viewer to Jeff’s neighbors via their daily habits, as well as the mise-en-scène of their apartments. This expository scene gives viewers a taste of the voyeurism that is to come, and drops hints about how each character will figure into the story. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. “GoodFellas” (1990): Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed mob movie makes extensive use of voiceover from main character Henry Hill (played by Ray Liotta) to deliver exposition. However, perhaps the best example of exposition in the film is when Henry leads his girlfriend, Karen, through the back entrance of a nightclub. The respect Henry receives from every person he sees, along with exclusivity and security of their route, tell us everything we need to know about what it means to be a gangster. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. “Shaun of the Dead” (2004): TV news and radio are often used as vehicles to deliver exposition in film. But director Edgar Wright puts a unique spin on the technique in this exposition example: rather than witnessing a continuous news segment, the viewer experiences this information in bits and pieces as bored and distracted main character Shaun flips through TV channels and wanders to a convenience store. The comedy of Shaun’s obliviousness, along with the tension of the scene, make for effective exposition. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. “Up” (2009): In what is also an excellent example of a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-montage-in-filmmaking-how-to-create-a-memorable-montage' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-montage-in-filmmaking-how-to-create-a-memorable-montage","linkCopy":"film montage","category":null}'>film montage</a>, “Up” opens with a series of images that guide us through main character Carl Fredriksen’s relationship with his wife, Ellie. In the span of just a couple of dialogue-free minutes, we experience the joy, love, and loss of the couple’s many years together. This scene is one of the best examples of exposition in recent film history. In fact, film critic Peter Bradshaw called the montage “a masterclass in narrative exposition.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. “I, Tonya” (2017): In this example of exposition, main character Tonya Harding (played by Margot Robbie) “<a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-breaking-the-fourth-wall-works-in-film-and-tv' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-breaking-the-fourth-wall-works-in-film-and-tv","linkCopy":"breaks the fourth wall","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>breaks the fourth wall</a>” to deliver key information about her life. The technique works, in part, because these scenes also reveal Tonya’s character in interesting ways, highlighting her resentment and stubbornness as well as her grit and determination to succeed as an Olympic figure skater. </li></ol>

5 Examples of Exposition in Film

You know the world of your story inside out, but now it&#39;s time to put it on paper and share it with audiences. If you&#39;re struggling with finding a good starting point or balancing how much information to present, try the following tips for effective expository writing.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Show, don’t tell. Movies are a form of visual storytelling, which is why one of the basic tenets of <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-becoming-a-screenwriter","linkCopy":"screenwriting","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>screenwriting</a> is to “show, don’t tell.” This means that you should always “show” things to the audience through action or character behavior as opposed to simply “telling” the audience. If you “show, don’t tell” well, you might not even need an exposition. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Weave exposition into the rising action. Good exposition is laid out without impeding the story and is seamlessly embedded within a scene. Move the central dramatic narrative forward at the same time that you lay out exposition. Describe how a bomb works at the same time as the hero is trying to detonate it. Explain how evil a bad guy is as the hero is actively running away from him. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Supplement the visuals. Use narration or voice-over to add to the action that is taking place on screen. While some visual clues are better left for the audience to decipher, others can benefit from the clarity or context that a narrator can provide with supplemental information. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-tips-for-developing-strong-characters' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-tips-for-developing-strong-characters","linkCopy":"Create characters","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>Create characters</a> who act as a “stand in” for the audience. One way to get through exposition in your screenplay is to have at least one character early on who is a stand-in for the audience; Rashida Jones’s character in The Social Network, or Chrisann in Steve Jobs for example, because they ask questions of the main character that the audience might have. He or she will help introduce the characters and the world without causing viewers to be bogged down with excessive or conspicuous exposition. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Use arguments to your advantage. In real life, arguments naturally escalate and romantic partners often bring up past events during fights making it an ideal scene to slip in background information. A fight about household duties between lovers can escalate to the point where the wife brings up her husband’s infidelity from 15 years earlier. This exposition feels natural because we believe that the wife may not be over the past infidelity and would mention it in the heat of the moment. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Be brief—less is more. Only say as much as you need to for the audience to understand the story. Try writing a monologue for your character, exploring his or her entire background and back story. Then, start chipping away at it. How much of this information is important, and how much is ancillary detail? How much can you show in the mise en scène versus having to say out loud? For example, does the character need to tell us they went to university, or can they throw on a college sweatshirt or stand in front of a framed diploma? </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Give your characters subject-matter expertise. Let’s say you need to explain how a virus is slowly decimating the entire human race. Instead of having a lay person google the information in a scene, write a dynamic scientist character who has been researching this virus for years, is an expert on the topic, and whose job it is to provide information about the virus to others. For example, you could write a scene where the scientist explains how the virus works to the U.N. or has to go on CNN to explain it to the masses as this feels like an authentic thing that would happen in the world of the story. </li></ol>

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write Exposition With 7 Tips

From the classic opener “Once upon a time…” to the famous Star Wars sequence “In a galaxy far, far away…”, some exposition is necessary in every film. Writing effective exposition, however, is an art form. Learn how to best introduce characters, backstory, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-first-plot-point-of-your-story' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-first-plot-point-of-your-story","linkCopy":"plot points","category":null}'>plot points</a> below.

From the classic opener “Once upon a time…” to the famous Star Wars sequence “In a galaxy far, far away…”, some exposition is necessary in every film. Writing effective exposition, however, is an art form. Learn how to best introduce characters, backstory, and plot points (https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-the-first-plot-point-of-your-story) below.


Techniques for Directing Your Movie