1. Shot types
Close ups:
Close ups usually show the face or shoulders of a character with a small
amount of head space. This prevents a thing called ‘floating head syndrome’
because the shoulders suggest to the brain that there is a body
below. This kind of camera shot is most common and can help to
display a great sense of emotion and help the audience to
emotionally engage with the subject.
Extreme close up:
They tend to focus on a particular part of a person e.g. face, mouth, eyes, hands or
an animal or object. This gives a feel of intimacy between the audience and the
character, object or animal. They can also help display various moods or emotions.
They can be intense when used in quick succession so sporadically using them is a better
option. In general and extreme close up is probably too close to be used for general reactions
or emotions and would be better suited for every dramatic scene.
Medium shot:
The medium shot is defined as containing from the waist up of a subject. This is particularly
ideal for when the subject is speaking or delivering information to another person, when the
fine detail isn’t required. It can also be useful when people are gesturing with their
arms. There are some disadvantages to medium shots as they don’t show as much
detail as close ups but introduce more of the background which could be distracting.
A 2-shot or a 3-shot:
These shots are often wide or medium shots of two or three people in one scene.
They are mainly used for interviews and to display a relationship between subjects.
Long (wide) shot:
A long shot is particularly effective for showing a large amount of background and
scenery. This helps to put the film into context this is why they are also
known as establishing shots. Almost every TV programme or film starts with
a long shot they are also used when the whole scene and background
changes.
Extreme wide shot:
This is for showing the main subject in the distance; this is used especially for
enigma codes. This puts emphasis on showing the subject in his or her
own environment.
Over-the-shoulder shot:
This is filmed just behind the subject over their shoulder as the shot name
suggests. It usually shows the back of the subject’s head and sometimes
one shoulder. This is typically used to show conversation between 2 subjects.
Point of view shot:
This is where the camera takes the perspective of the character. You see through
the eyes of the character therefore you can identify with him/her. The
person whose perspective it is from should never be seen in the shot.
These add drama in chase scenes.
High angle:
The camera looks down on the subject making it look smaller and less important.
These allow the person to appear vulnerable.

2. Low angle:
This is where the camera looks up on the subject. This shot makes the subject appear larger,
more important and more dominant to the viewer.