What is the impact of excessive head room in a shot?

Excessive headroom in a shot can lead to the subject being visually diminished or surrounded by unnecessary space, which can detract from the viewer's focus on the subject itself. When too much space is left above a person’s head, it can create a sense of imbalance and make the subject appear smaller or less important. This imbalance draws attention away from the primary focal point of the image—the subject—potentially confusing or distracting the audience.

In the context of film and video composition, maintaining an appropriate amount of headroom is crucial for ensuring that the subject remains prominent and visually engaging. Proper framing helps convey the intended message and emotion effectively, while excessive headroom undermines this goal by shifting focus away from where it should be.