The document outlines various aspects of camera composition, including shot types such as long shots, medium shots, close-ups, and angles like high and low angles, along with camera movements like panning and dollying. It emphasizes the importance of screen direction, composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, and details on framing and background considerations to enhance visual storytelling. These guidelines aim to help filmmakers effectively convey emotion and narrative through thoughtful camera work.

2. Camera Composition
(Shots, Angles, &
Movement)

3. Long Shot
– It establishes the
scene
– Shows subjects
in their
surroundings
– Tells the viewer
where the action
is taking place

4. Medium Shot
• Used to introduce a
character for the
first time
• Framing is usually
set so that the top
of the frame is just
above the head
and the bottom of
the fame is just
below the waist

5. Medium Close-up
• Tighter than a
medium shot
• The top of the
frame is just
above the
character’s head
and the bottom of
the frame is just
below the chest

6. Close-up
• Used to reveal a
character’s feelings.
• Restrict how much of a
scene and/or action the
audience sees.
• The top of the frame is
just above the
character’s head and
the bottom of the frame
is just below the chin.

7. Extreme Close Up
Often used to reveal feelings WITHOUT using
dialogue or to provide the audience with a view
of a specific detail
Examples include a person’s eyes, mouth, or
hands, or an inanimate object such as the
contents of a letter

8. Long Shot Medium Shot
Extreme Close-upMedium Close-up
Close-Up Shot

9. Two-Shot
• Shows two persons
in a shot

10. Three-shot
• Shows three
persons in a shot

11. Over the Shoulder
• Shooting over-the-shoulder of one
subject to reveal another subject.
• The speaker’s full face is shown while
the camera is aimed over the shoulder
of the listener
• Used in interview situations.

12. Straight Angle
• The camera is placed
directly in front of the
talent at eye-level
and is used to involve
the audience with the
action
• Example would be
the shot used during
the anchors delivery
of the news

13. Eye Level
Most commonly used angle
Whether the subject is
standing or seated and
regardless of how small
or tall your subject may
be.

14. Eye Level

15. Side Angle
The camera is placed at eye level, but usually at a
45 degree angle from the subject. The audience views
the action but is not directly involved in the action.

16. Low Angle
• The camera is placed below the subject and is
aimed up (shoots upward).
• This angle exaggerates height and can give the
impression that the subject is larger and more
powerful.

17. Low Angle

18. High Angle
• The camera is above the
subject matter and is
aimed down (shoots
downward).
• This angle has the effect
of reducing the apparent
height of the subject &
gives the impression that
the subject is smaller and
less powerful.

19. High Angle

20. Camera Movements

21. Dollying
• Placing the
camera on a tripod
with wheels
• Allows camera to
follow the action
while maintaining
a steady, non-
shaky shot

22. Pan
• The camera is
moved horizontally
from left to right or
right to left (much
like a head shaking
from left to right to
say “no”).
• Used to follow the
action

23. Tilt
• The camera is
moved vertically up
or down (much like
a head nodding
“yes”)
• Can be used to
follow something
as it falls, or rises

24. Zoom
• Accomplished by
pressing the W or
the T on the zoom
control.
• Brings the viewer
closer to or further
away from the
action

25. Tricky Shots
• Match Cut - Changing camera angles without
breaking the continuity of motion from scene to
scene
– Imagine a Long Shot, Side Angle scene of someone
walking, then dropping something; then, in the next
scene you have a Close-Up Shot, Straight Angle of
the person’s face showing his/her reaction to the
dropping of the item. Although the scene may
actually have been filmed using two cameras or the
action may have been stopped in order for the one
and only camera to change positions, the audience
never notices any disruption in the action.

26. Screen Direction

27. What is screen direction?
• Screen direction is the direction people
and objects face when viewed through the
camera. When shooting a scene, place
the center of interests on an imaginary
line. This line should not be crossed by
the cameraperson to avoid reversal of
screen direction.

28. Example of Screen Direction
Reversing the screen direction (crossing that imaginary line) confuses the
audience and makes them think the subject is going in the opposite
direction from which they came
In this example, the
elephant did NOT
change directions;
instead, the
photographer is
simply on the other
side of the elephant
in each separate
picture (thus, making
it appear that the
elephant is walking in
two different
directions.

29. Composition
• The arranging or placing of elements in a
shot.

30. Rule of Thirds
• The viewfinder screen
is divided into thirds
horizontally and
vertically (like a tic-tac-
toe board). When
framing a shot, the
cameraperson should
consider these
imaginary lines by
preferably placing the
center of interest at one
of the four intersecting
points or on one of the
lines.

31. Head Room
• A person’s head should be appropriately placed
in the shot. Don’t cut off the top of their head,
but don’t leave so much space above their head
that it distracts from their face.
Good Example of Headroom Bad Example of Headroom

32. Leading Looks
• When shooting a person or object in
profile, leave space in front of the person
or object.

33. Leading Lines
• Lines that are in the environment may be
used to lead to the center of interest.

34. Level Horizon
• Keep the horizon
level.
• A sloping horizon
– or a floor that
doesn’t appear
horizontal is
distracting to
viewers.

35. Framing
• Elements in the environment, such as
trees and arches, etc., may be used to
create a border or frame around the shot.

36. Background
• Elements in the
environment may
distract the viewer from
the center of interest.
Be aware of bright
colors, moving objects,
and any objects that
appear to grow out of
peoples’ heads or blend
with a person.

37. Other things to consider…

38. Objects that are closest to
camera will appear larger than
those that are far away

39. Arrange Groups Naturally
• Avoid widely separated subjects
positioned at either edge of the frame.
• Avoid large height differences between
two people in a scene
Bad examples of arranging groups

40. Good examples of how to arrange groups

42. Silhouette Shot
• Background will be bright causing the subject to appear
as a dark image
• A dark image outlined against a lighter background