Shot types

Shot types

Extreme long shot

Extreme long shots are taken to show the surrounding and to establish a location. They can show the scale of the action, and there is no distinct subject.

 

Long shot

 

The subject takes up almost the full frame. These can be used to show a subject in action.

 

Mid (medium) shot

 

This shot type is useful if someone is talking as it allows room for hand gestures; it is like seeing a full person.

 

Medium close shot

 

This shot type shows the face without getting uncomfortably close. This style is often used in interviews.

 

Close-up

 

This shot shows a certain feature in detail. It is used to show emotional state.

 

Extreme close-up

This shot shows extreme detail and is uncomfortably close to the subject. These shots are difficult to get the correct reaction from the audience, and so there needs to be a very good reason to use one.

 

Cut away

This is a view something that is not part of the action, they can be used to make the editing seem more natural between scenes.

 

Two shot

 

This is used to show an equal prominence between two subjects and relationships between two subjects.

 Over the shoulder shot

 

This is shot over someone's shoulder, with the shoulder taking up about one third of the screen. It shows a connection between two people and how close they are.    

 

Noddy shot

This is often used in interviews and makes the editing seem more natural and makes the person talking feel less boring to watch. These are filmed after the interview.

POV shot

This shows someone's point of view. Usually, it is edited in a way so it is obvious whose POV it is. It gives the watcher an emotional connection with the character.

 

Controlled/Dutch angle shot

The camera is not angled straight towards the subject. There is a sense of being out the ordinary, and can be used to show a dream sequence, or something out of the ordinary.

Zoom in/out

 

Can highlight important or significant object to the audience.

 

Steadicam

The camera moves with the action, it gives the viewer a sense of realism and can be used to add excitement.

Crane shot

Single high angle. It gives a sense of size and scale.

 

Aerial shot

The camera is in a plane or helicopter. It gives a sense of location or size.