Camera work and shot types by Michael Fagan

1. CAMERA WORK &
SHOT TYPES

2.  Long shot; ‘A shot that depicts an
entire character or object from head
to foot.’
 A long shot is used to show a
character from head to toe whilst also
showing a large amount of
background. They establish the scene
whilst showing a characters body
language. These can be used to show
costume of a character if it should be
noticed.
LONG SHOT

3.  Medium shot; ’A shot that gives a partial view
of the background and also show the subjects'
facial expressions in the context of their body
language’
 A medium shot is used to show subjects from
the waist up with the background partially
showing. These shots are used extensively in
horror film production as they portray the
audience’s perception of people. This can
support the viewers understanding of the
film. For example, in the first print-screen we
can see a character entering a building in a
forest. We get to see his body language,
facial expression and setting all in one shot.
MEDIUM SHOT

4.  Over-the-shoulder shot; ‘A shot where the
camera is positioned behind one
subject's shoulder, usually during a
conversation. It implies a connection
between the speakers as opposed to the
single shot that suggests distance.’
 These shots are used to show the
relationship between two characters.
As we can see by the print-screens,
the first shows two characters
hugging, suggesting that they have
strong relationship. The second
shows two characters shaking hands,
which suggests that they are just
starting a new relationship and have
not met before and the final print
screen shows two characters with
distance between them. This
suggests that there is a tension as
they are not close together.
OVER-THE-SHOULDER

5.  Close up; ‘A certain feature or
part of the subject takes up the
whole frame.’
 A close up shot is used to show
the facial expressions of a
character. This helps us to
understand any required details
and their emotions. For
example, the third print screen
shows blood pouring down the
characters face. This shows that
he has been attacked by
something or someone. The
second print-screen shows a girl
screaming, which shows that
she is scared and feels
insecure. It can also be used to
highlight an important feature
of a scene, such as a weapon.
CLOSE UP

6.  Establishing shot; ‘A shot, at
the head of the scene, that
clearly shows the locale the
action is set in’
 An establishing shot is used to
show the location of which the
scene is taking place within
the movie. This shot is also
used to create a
representation of a certain
area. For example, an
establishing shot could be
used to show poverty within a
slum, or the wealth of a busy
city. The establishing shots
I’ve found all use the same
representation. It shows the
viewer where the scene is
taking place, and also shows
that the buildings are all very
secluded, potentially enclosed.
ESTABLISHING SHOT