MEDIACAMERA ANGLES

Mid Shots

One of the most common shots used

Gives background information

Still focuses on the subject

Usually shows the waist to the top of the head of a person

Long Shots

Used as an establishing shot

Sets the scene

Usually a whole body shot

Close Ups

Focuses on the detail of the object or person

Shows expressions and reactions

Usually just the head but sometimes includes the shoulders

Reveals thoughts and feelings

Sometimes gets closer as more truth is revealed

Extreme Close Ups (ECU)

Small part of the body or object shown (often lips/eyes)

Emphasises significance

Makes small things look larger

Audience focuses on one thing

Wide Shots

Use a wide angle lens

Gives visual information

Sets the scene

Movement Shots

Camera usually moves

However the camera can be static (still)

Usually a short duration

Highly effective

Zoom Shots

Camera stays static

Gets closer or further away to the subject

Can be obvious or subtle

Pan Shots

Camera moves horizontally

Stays static

Shows a large amount of scenery

Tilt Shots

Camera moves vertically

Usually only moves either up or down

Swift change between low to high angles

Very common shot

Tracking Shots

The entire camera moves

Mounted on a dolly

Push In (Character Dolly)

Full shot which is then pushed forward to a close up

Adds tension

Pull Back Reveal Shots

Camera focuses on one thing then moves back

Expand Dolly Shots

Camera follows character as they move away

The actor/actress moves faster than the dolly

Creates distance between the characters/audience

Contract Dolly Shots

Camera moves forward as the actor/actress does

Makes a simple action seem more dramatic

A variation could have the character move toward the camera while the camera pans up, revealing the subject

Crane Shots

Camera is suspended using a mechanical arm/crane

Not lifted very high

Camera shots become more flexible

Dramatic shot that can simulate flying/swooping

Aerial Shots

Camera on a helicopter/ plane

Gives a birds eye view of the action

Extremely long distance

Handheld Shots

Camera is not mounted on a stable structure

Held by a person

Gives a bumpy/jolty look

Often used for POV shots

Eye Level/Straight On Angle

Gives a real life effect

Same level as the subject

Makes the audience feel involved

High Angle Shots

Serves a specific purpose

Often shows weakness/vulnerability

Camera is high and looks down on the subject

Low Angle Shots

Creates a feel of intimidation for other characters/the audience

Very common shot

Point Of View (POV) Shots

1st person perspective

Lets the audience into the mind of the character

Only see what the character would see

Over the Shoulder (OTS) Shots

A way to film conversations

A reverse shot

Shows the other characters dialogue

Two Shot

Shot of two people

Shows their relationship

Could be used to show dialogue, close ups or as an OTS shot

180° Rule

Rule of Thirds