Camera Angle Glossary

1. Name of camera shot Example of shot What it is used for
Ariel Shot Gives a large scale view
of the area it is set
High Angle
Looking down on you to
show power and
dominance
Point Of View Seeing it through their
eyes
Over the shoulder Shows continuity
between dialogue
between characters
Low Angle
To show the audience
that the people
portrayed are powerful
or in a powerful
position.
Medium shot
Able to see the top half
of the body , this helps
when justifying dialogue
scenes as you can also
see body language.
Long shot
Able to see the full body.

2. Birds Eye view As If you are looking
down on someone from
the air.
Worms eye view Looking up at something
to show that its more
powerful than you
Close Up A shot of the face for
example, which is
typically used to show
emotion and focus on
the detailing.
Establishing shot Used to give the feel of
the place where it’s set.
Medium close up Shows emotion from the
face but also gives off
some body attitude from
the shoulders
Canted/Dutch Angle To show that the scene
is a bit all over the place
like they don’t know
what’s happening
Extreme Close Up To show emotion in a
very detailed area