Camera Shots + Angles

By Shivangi Gupta

Long ShotLong Shot

A long shot shows the whole subject e.g. An entire boat on the water.

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.

Extreme Long Shot

Extreme Long Shot

An extreme long shot is used to show landscapes or provide a view of a whole world (i.e. a city, a town, or even a galaxy) where the story is set.

Close Up

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 up are used in a lot in thriller and help clarify action)

Medium Shot

Medium Shot

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, e.g. part of a tree.

Close Up

Establishing Shot

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.

Reaction ShotReaction Shot

To show the effect of one person's words or actions on the other people in the scene, a reaction shot is used. 

Establishing Shot

Full Shot

A full shot is a variation on the long shot showing the full subject (i.e. the full human figure, with the feet at

the bottom of the frame and the head at the top of the frame).

 

Full Shot

Low Angle Low Angle

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

High Angle High 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.

Oblique Angle

Eye Level Angle

Eye Level

At eye level the impression is neutral.

 

Oblique Angle

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

Zooming in/out - Even when the camera is stationary it can appear to move close to, or further from, it's subject by using a special ring or lever on the lens.

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

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

Elevating When the camera changes its position by moving up or down.

Dollying - Changing the camera's position by moving it forwards or backwards.

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

Panning Elevatin

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Zooming In/Out

Tilting Dollyin

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