This is an analysis of camera shots in music videos and the meaning they convey.

2. Understanding camera work in music
videos
The use of types
of camera
movements,
angles and shots
is significant
when creating a
music video, as it
will convey the
message and
theme of the
song. The type of
camera shot that
is being used
adds power to
the visuals on
screen.
Deep Focus Pull/Change in Focus
A deep focus pull/change in focus is when the camera goes
blurry and goes out of focus. This can be used for many
different reason in a music video. From the music video I
analysed, theses two photos demonstrate a before and
after shot of a bottle of alcohol from a music video. This
change in focus shot is significant, as it demonstrates the
affects of alcohol, and demonstrates a distortion in the life
of the protagonist. It makes the video more meaning full,
and gives the viewer a greater understand of how the
protagonist is feeling at this moment.

3. Establishing
shot
An establishing shot is when the camera displays the scene to the audience and displays the
setting in which the characters in the music video are in. These establishing shots are from
Taylor Swift’s Blank Space and due to the location of the music video, the beginning of the
narrative allows the audience to have a better understanding where the video is set. This
adds an element of realism and allows them to continue on with the narrative. The
establishing-shots are repeated through different locations in the house and the gardens to
remind the audience of where these character are at that moment.
Extreme Close-Up An extreme close-up is when the camera is
up close and personal with the characters
and allows the viewer to see ever detail and
facial characteristics of the person being
shown on screen. This close-up from Rita
Ora’s body on me shows her and the male
singer, and conveys the chemistry between,
the two as it displays an element of intimacy
and relates to the meaning of the song.

4. Tracking Shot
A tracking shot is a shot when the camera is following a certain
character, and creates the ideology that we are there walking
with them. In the music video to “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by
The Verve, it is constructed of one long tracking shot, and
makes it appear that we are there on the street with him, and
the mid-tracking shot, allows the viewer to see him at eye level,
making it even more realistic. Alternatively, a tracking shot
conveys a slow melody, and in Bitter Sweet Symphony adds to
the slow, relaxed mood of the song.
Hand-held camera A hand-held camera is when the singer or another character in
the music video, hold the camera, and as a consequence
causing a jerky, yet realistic affect to the video. In the Justin
Bieber’s “Beauty and the Beat” the singer uses a hand-held
camera, to invite the viewer into the party that is going on in the
music video. Also, a hand-held camera makes it personal and
makes it appear as if the singer is addressing someone directly.
POV
A point of view shot is when the audience are able to see what
the character is seeing and doing. This places the viewer in the
character’s perspective, thus allowing them to experience the
situation themselves. In The Prodigy “Smack My B***h Up” the
whole narrative is shown through a point of view shot to let the
viewer engage and understand how the character is feeling.

5. Low- Angle
shot
A low-angle shot is when the camera is
titled at an angle looking upwards
towards all the characters. In this music
video by Jessie J, the use of a low-angle
shot is significant as it gives a sense of,
power, female dominance and authority,
which is what is being conveyed in the
lyrics of the song. The low-angle shot
makes us seem inferior to all the
character, as makes us seem
subordinate. This illustrates the lyrics as
it is about hierarchy and being able to a
vary of things that are labelled as being
masculine.
High - Angle shot
A high – angle shot is the opposite to a
low – angle shot, as this time the camera
is titled down on the singer to make them
seem inferior. In the music video
“Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato, the use of
this high- angle shot makes her seem
vulnerable which conveys the meaning of
the song. As an audience we feel
sympathetic with her, because of the way
she is portrayed. The high-angle shot is
important in this narrative as it creates a
contrast with the low angle shot that
appears towards the end of the narrative
to convey her resilience in this situation.