CAMERA SHOTS

• In this lesson we’ll be learning about the main camera shots and camera angles that are used during filming.

A. Camera Shots

• There are 3 main types of shots that describe how near or how far the camera is from the subject:

• Any of these shots can show one subject or more at the same time.

1. Long shot.2. Medium shot.3. Close-up shot.

1. A Long shot shows the whole subject: an entire boat on the water….

…a car down the street.

• The Long shot is used to show the full human figure and provides a clear view of the environment or setting where we find the character.

• An Establishing long shot This shot will tell the viewer the geographical location of the scene, for example if the scene was inside a house, then the establishing shot might be, the shot of the town or city the house is in, then the shot of the house, then the scene inside the house.

• A full shot is a variation on the long shot, showing the full subject in the forground, with the feet at the bottom on the frame and the head at the top of the frame.

• An extreme long shot is used to show landscapes or provide a view of a whole world eg: A city, a town, or even a galaxy where the story is set.

2. A medium shot shows about half of the subject.

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• Medium shot shows the human body from mid-shin or mid-thigh up and is often used to show interaction between two or more characters.

• A medium shot shows the subject in relation to its immediate surroundings.

3. A close-up only shows one part of the subject, usually in great detail.

• A close-up or an extreme close-up, would include shots of a person’s face, or the paws of a dog walking down a path, of a hand on a doorbell, or a tree branch.

• In close-ups, we can understand how a character feels; “get into the head” of that character.

• Close-ups of “things” may help to clarify action.

B. Camera AnglesIn addition to camera shots, the camera angle is also important.

The angle from which a shot is taken is another way to give variety as well as information.

1. High Angle 2. Eye-level3. Low Angle4. Reverse Angle5. Oblique Angle

1. A high angle shot positions the camera above eye-level, looking down on the subject, which consequently appears insignificant, weak, helpless, or small according to how extreme the angle is.

• Sometimes it’s just a good angle…..

2. At eye level, the impression is neutral.

3. A low angle shot has the camera looking up at the subject, which then appears important, powerful, or domineering, again depending on how exaggerated the angle is.

4. Usually the camera looks at the subject, but with reverse angle the camera shows what the subject is seeing.

The most common type of reverse angle it the “over the shoulder” shot

5. The oblique angle is shot by laterally tilting the camera frame and making the characters or objects look askew.

C. Camera Movement

Another way to give television programs and films variety is for the camera to move.

1. Panning2. Tracking3. Elevating4. Dollying5. Tilting6. Zooming In/Out

1. Panning: When the camera stays in the same position but turns left or right.

2. Tracking: When the camera changes its position by moving left or right.

3. Elevating: when the camera changes its position by moving up or down.

4. Dollying: Changing the camera’s position by moving it forward or backward.

5. Tilting: When the camera stays in the same position but turns up or down.

6. Zooming In/Out: Even when the camera is stationary it can appear to move closer to, or further from, it’s subject by using a special ring or lever on the lens.