2. Establishing Shot
Establishing shots are used to show
the audience where the characters
are and when they are there (night-
time, early morning, etc.) They are
usually used at the start of a scene,
so the audience isn’t left completely
clueless as to what’s going on.
3. Long Shot
A long shot is only actually called a
long shot if there is a person in the
shot. Otherwise, it is called a wide
shot. If a person is in the long shot,
their entire body is seen, from head
to toe. These are usually used to
empathise scale and size, and to
give the scene a dramatic effect.
4. Medium Shot
Medium shots are the most
common of shots in the TV and
movie industry. They can involve
one person or a group of people,
but regardless of how many are in
the scene together, they always are
seen from the waist upwards.
Typically used to see props that are
being held, or to see the expression
on the actor(s)/actress(es) face(s).
5. Close-Up
Close-ups are used a lot in the TV
and film industry, however not as
often as medium shots. Close-ups
are used mainly to show something
detailed, like the expression of a
character, however they can also be
used to show who a main character
is if used in the opening of a TV
episode or movie. A close-up of an
object is used to show the viewer
the object is valuable and
important.
6. Extreme Close-Up
Extreme close-ups aren’t used
often, as they are for moments of
intense emotion. Using them too
often removes that intensity of the
moments. Extreme close-ups are
usually focused on an eye, the
mouth, or a hand (E.G A character is
crying, or holding a vital object).
7. POV – Point Of View
POV shots allow the audience to
see what a character sees, and
depending on how it is used, can let
the audience experience emotions
that the character is feeling, like
fear during a chase scene or horror
scene, or happiness during a
peaceful beach or meadow scene.
8. Over The Shoulder
Typically used when two characters
are having a discussion, over the
shoulder shots allow a similar
experience to POV shots, in which
we can see what a character sees,
which is usually another character,
letting the audience see their
expression and body posture.
9. Two Shot
A two shot involves two character
standing in the same shot, and
depending on the space between
them and their expressions, it gives
the audience an idea of the
relationship between those
characters (whether they’re close
friends, romantically involved,
enemies, work partners, etc.)
10. Panning Shot
A panning shot involves the camera
staying in one place, usually on a
fixed tripod or station of sorts, but
allowing said camera to swivel
horizontally. Can be used to follow a
character or object to an extent, or
to help establish where the scene is
taking place.
11. Tilt Shot
The tilt shot is very similar to the
panning shot, however instead of
looking left and right, the camera is
looking up and down while fixed in
one place. It allows for tall
structures to be in the shot and
giving the audience a sense of scale
and size.
12. High Angle/Low Angle
Shot
High angle shots involve the camera
looking down on typically a person
from a high place, making the
person/people in the shot seem
vulnerable or helpless. Low angle
shots involve the camera looking
upwards from a low place, usually
the floor. It can be used when a
character finds an object, giving a
sense of POV from the perspective
of the object. It can also be used to
do the opposite of the high angle
shot, making the person in the shot
look strong, powerful and capable.
13. Tracking Shot
A tracking shot is where the camera
moves and follows an object or a
person, but this time moves along
with them, typically on a camera
dolly that is on a track, giving
limited movement. The camera
could also be held a person who
then follows the character or
object, allowing for more freedom
and movement.
14. Zooming Inn/Zooming
Out Shots
Zooming can be done in two ways:
In or out. Zooming into something
can show the importance of an
object, and is typically paired
with/followed by a close up or
extreme close up. Zooming out can
establish the current setting: a
popular idea is focusing on a main
character, then zooming out to
reveal their location and who/what
is around them.
