CAMERA SHOTS
• In this lesson we’ll be learning about the
main camera shots and camera angles
that are used during filming.
• You need to write down these terms and
definitions, as there will be a vocabulary
quiz at the end of the lesson.
**Do not copy word for word**
TAKE NOTES!!!
A. Camera
Shots
• There are 3 main types of shots that
describe how near or how far the
camera is from the subject:
1. Long shot.
2. Medium shot.
3. Close-up shot.
• Any of these shots can show one
subject or more at the same time.
• A long shot shows the whole subject:
an entire boat on the water….
…a car down the street.
• A long shot is
used to show the
full human figure
and often
provides a clear
view of the
environment or
setting where we
find the character.
• An extreme long shot is used to show
landscapes or provide a view of a whole
world (ie. A city, a town, or even a
galaxy) where the story is set.
• A full shot is a
variation on the
long shot,
showing the full
subject (ie. The
full human figure,
with the feet at
the bottom on
the frame and
the head at the
top of the frame).
2. A 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.
• It shows about
half of the
subject, such
the front end
of a car or part
of a tree.
• 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, and 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; even
“get into the
head” of
that
character.
• Close-ups of “things” may help to clarify
action.
How might these shots be
used in a movie or
television show?
• An establishing shot at the beginning
of a scene tells viewers where they are.
For example, a long shot of a car driving
up to a hotel, or a close-up of a
restaurant sign.
• To show the effect of one person’s
words or actions on the other people in
the scene, a reaction shot is used.
B. Camera
Angles
In 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-level
3. Low Angle
4. Reverse Angle
5. Oblique Angle
• 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…..
• 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.
5. The oblique angle is shot by laterally
tilting the camera frame and making
the characters or objects look askew.
C.
More….
Another way to give television programs
and films variety is for the camera to
move.
1. Panning
2. Tracking
3. Elevating
4. Dollying
5. Tilting
6. 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, its
subject by using a special ring or
lever on the lens.
