Camera Shots

Close up shots = A shot that focus only on the face or other parts of the body, which is in full frame of the shot. This is one of the most important building blocks in cinematic storytelling.

Extreme close up = A shot magnifying a part of a character's body or subject, which no background is present within this frame. This can be used to build tension or emphasis an importuncy of an object.

Over the shoulder shot = A shot where the camera is positioned behind one of the subject's shoulder. This camerawork is usually used during a conversation between character's as it implies the relationship between the conversing character's.

High angled shot = A shot which shot from a high angle therefore looking down at the character or subject. This is to make the subject look less superior and weak, which is why this shot is linked to the low angled shot.

Low angled shot = A shot which is angled low, therefore looking up at the character or subject. This is used to create an illusion that they are bigger, suggesting they are dominant or heroic over others in in the frame.

Establishing shot  = A shot which sets the scene, therefore the first shot of production as it clearly shows the locale the action is in. Aerial shot is usually before this shot.

POV shot= A shot that depicts the point of view of a character so that the audience can see exactly through the character's eyes. Often used in Horror cinema to see through the killer's eyes.

Long shot=  A shot which shows a whole character or object. This allows the audience to see the whole entire character/ object.

Extreme long shot= A shot which is taken from a very large distance, usually used to show a location.

Medium shot= This a very common camera shot in which only the shows from the waist and up of a character.

Crane shot= A shot where the camera is placed on a crane which moves up or down. This shot is usually to emphasis a character's loneliness within a film.

Zoom= A shot positioning a lens with a variable focal length that allows the cinematographer to change the distance between the object and subject with the absence of moving themselves. This can create many meanings, such as, a quick realisation or to build tension on what the character's has said.

Two shot= This is a shot which involves two people being within the frame, which is generally used to reflect the relationship between character's.

Whip Pan= A shot which is that same as a pan, but due to the speed the camera is moved at, it creates a blurred frame, which could blur beyond recognition. This is usually used to the vast speed of an object, for example, a car. It can even be used if someone is in an drunken or high state due to drugs and alcohol, as it would you how the character's are feeling.

Top shot= A shot in which the camera is position directly down on a scene rather than at an angle. This is also known as a 'Bird's-eye view shot'. This can be used during a car chase so the audience can see the runaway car trying to get away from the police, for example.

Tracking shot=  A shot which follows a character/ subject from either behind, in front or alongside them. This usually involves using a track rails, which is where a camera is attached to rails to increase steadiness and stability within the shot.

Tilt= This shot is where the camera is continuously moving up to down or vice versa. This can be used to end a film where the camera is focusing on a couple walking away and then the camera slowly tilts up to the blue sky.

Steadicam shot= A shot from a hydraulically balanced camera that provides high continuity for production as it generates a fluent smooth movement.

Handheld shot= A shot in which the camera operator holds the camera during a motion scene. This creates a jerky and unsteady feel to the shot, which could imply someone walking behind a character or reflects how the character is feeling.

Locked- Down shot= A shot where the camera stays stationary in one position while action continues off screen. This creates enigma's for the audience as they do not know what is happening off screen.

Matte Shot= A shot which involves foreground action with a background, therefore providing an insight of the location.

Money shot= A shot which is expensive to achieve but is deemed as being worth it due to the effect and potential the frame will generate.

Pan= A shot which involves moving the camera from left to right or right to left.

Aerial shot=  This shot shows the exterior of a location, which is taken from the air. This can also be classed as a establishing shot, as it is setting the scene.

Arc shot= This is where the camera circulates the subject therefore being circled by the camera.

Bridging shot=  A shot which suggests a change in time or place.

Deep Focus shot =  A shot  in which keeps the background, foreground and middle ground of the shot in focus; allowing a sharp picture to be generated.

Dolly shot= A shot which tracks forwards to the character/ object, while simultaneously zooming out create a vertiginous effect.

Dutch Tilt= A shot which the camera is tilted to one side to create a wonky looking angle. This can be used to suggest a character has fallen over and a dark figure is coming towards them.