SHOT SIZES

EXTREME CLOSE UP (XCU)An extreme close up shot gets very close to the subject and shows immense detail. It can be used to show emotion. For example; a close up of the eye or mouth can show facial expression. This shot can be described as intrusive and personal.

CLOSE UP (CU)A close up shot shows expression but in less detail then the extreme close up. Close ups are often used to show an action. For example; someone brushing their hair. This shot can also be described as personal.

MEDIUM CLOSE UP (MCU)A medium shot is half way between a mid shot and close up which means it can show facial expression as well as body language.

MID SHOT (MS)A mid shot is usually framed from the waist up. They are not very affective when showing facial expression but are great at capturing body language.

A long shot allows the audience to see the subject in terms of its surroundings. This can show the subjects size in proportion to the setting. It also created a clear idea of what's happening in the shot as a whole.

LONG SHOT (LS)

EXTREME LONG SHOT (ELS)In an extreme long shot, the subject is still visible but the focus is on the surroundings. It doesn't capture body language or facial expression.

ESTABLISHING

SHOT

An establishing shot is used to set the scene. It is usually a location shot found at the beginning of a sequence to introduce the audience to the setting.

TWO SHOT (2-SHOT)A two shot is of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot (waist up).

OVER THE SHOULDER SHOTAn over the shoulder shot is often used to show two people conversating. Seeing aspects of both characters makes the conversation more believable.

SHOT ANGLES

LOW ANGLEA low angle is used to show the subject as superior, powerful and intimidating. This angle aims to make the audience fearful of the subject.

HIGH ANGLEThis angle is used to make the subject appear small and inferior which creates sympathy.

BIRDS EYEBirds eye is taken directly above an object and is normally used to show a large scale location. For example; a city.

CANTED ANGLEA canted angle is taken when the camera is at a tilt which can suggest drama, intoxication and /or madness

EYE LEVEL

Eye level shots are used to show extreme detail. They make the shot very personal and show emotion.

Camera Movement

Panning shotsWhere the camera slowly moves side to side across the scene from a fixed axis.

Tilt shotsThe camera moves up and down from a fixed axis.

Crane shotsThe camera is mounted on a crane moves at a height above ground level.

Tracking shotsWhere the camera is rolled along laid tracks in order to follow someone walking or running.

Ariel shotsWhere the camera is placed on a helicopter to create a birds eye shot. Usually used to show a city/landscape.

oom

Using the camera lens to go from a long shot to a close up (zooming in) or from a close up to a long shot (zooming out) in a single shot.

ArcUsing the camera to move around an object in a circular motion

Camera movement can be used to emphasise a particular viewpoint

Z

Z