Kadrering

Kadrering is the process of composing an image or shot by choosing what elements are included and how they are arranged within the frame. It is a core aspect of cinematography and photography, guiding how the viewer perceives space, characters, and action. The term derives from the Dutch kader, meaning frame, and kadrering describes the act of setting or adjusting the frame.

Through kadrering, creators direct attention, establish relationships between figures and settings, control pacing, and convey mood or meaning. It can create balance or deliberate tension using symmetry, negative space, and vantage point.

Common techniques include the rule of thirds, centering for emphasis, leading lines, and varying shot scale from close-ups to long shots. Headroom and lead room manage perceived space above a subject and in the direction of movement. Camera angle (high, low, eye level) and lens choice affect framing by changing perspective and depth.

Kadrering is planned in pre-production and refined during production through blocking and shot planning; changes in post-production may crop frames or adjust framing in the edit. In practice, directors and cinematographers test framing with storyboards and dailies; editors can alter framing during cutting or via composite techniques.

Applications span narrative film, television, news, interviews, and still photography, as well as digital media and social platforms, where framing must adapt to different aspect ratios and display formats.

See also: composition, framing (cinematography), rule of thirds.