Camera Techniques

Camera Techniques

• Camera shots

a) Extreme long shot

used to show the subject from a distance or the area in which the scene is taking place

b) Long shot (wide shot)

Shows the subject from top to bottom; for a person, this would be head, though not necessarily filming the frame.

c) Full shot

Frame character from head to toes; with the subject roughly filling the frame

d) Medium shot

Showing part of the subject in more detail. For a person, a medium shot typically frames them from about waist up. 

e) Medium close-up

It falls between a medium shot and a close-up, framing the subject from the chest or shoulder. 

f) Close-up

Fills the screen with part of the subject, such as a person's head/face. To show the character's emotions.

g) Extreme close-up

Emphasizes a minor area or detail of the subjects, such as the eyes or mouth.

• Camera angles

a) Overshot

When the camera is directly above the action. Usually used in an establishing shot, however, not always.

b) High-angle shot

Used to make the subjects look smaller, often indicating a lack of power.

c) Eye-level

Used as it gives the audience a sense of realism as we see the characters on the 'regular' level.

d) Low angle

To make a character appear larger and more powerful. The camera is positioned lower to make things seem more significant. 

e) Undershot

The camera is placed underneath the subjects. Matched with the POV shots if a character is looking up.

f) Point Of View (POV)

Used to show something from the character's perspective.

• Camera movement

a) Track/tracking

When the camera is following the subject

b) Pan

When the camera moves horizontally to reveal more information about the setting or surroundings. It is sometimes used to establish a scene that can not all fit within one shot. 

c) Tilt

Opposite of PAN, When the camera tilts vertically to reveal more information about the setting. It can often give the viewer more information about objects, characteristics, or the character's outfit.

d) Crane

A crane shot is a shot taken by a camera on a moving crane or jib.

e) Dolly

Dolly in is when the camera moves closer to a subject. A dilly out is when it moves further away.

f) Zoom

When the zoom (camera feature) moves in on a character or object, to show more detail

g) Reverse zoom

This is the opposite of zoom. It is more commonly known as zoom out