This document defines and describes various camera shots and techniques used in filmmaking, including close-ups, high and low angles, establishing shots, panning, tilting, tracking, zooming, focus techniques, and shot sizes like long shots, medium shots, and close-ups. The purpose of these techniques is to convey emotion, establish settings, show power dynamics, and direct the audience's attention.

1. Close-up
A close shot of the
character/object that
shows emotion or a
certain significance
High/Low Angle
A shot used to show
power and control of
lack of it. High angles
look down and low
angles look up
Birds eye view
A shot of the full
set/setting. Used
usually for
establishing shots or
to give the audience
an idea of setting.
Canted Angle
Camera on a tilt.
Usually used to show
the mental state of a
character or to show
if they are
drunk/drugged
Pan/Whip Pan
When the camera
moves across the
screen to reveal
something. When it
moves quickly it is a
whip pan.
Tilt
A birds eye shot that
is slightly closer and
at an angle

2. Track and Dolly
Used for following a
person/object and
keeping the camera
movement smooth
Crane
Used to get high shots
and can be followed
by a person but
doesn’t move on a
track therefore cant
follow people
Steadicam
A camera attached to
a harness so that the
camera stays still
while the cameraman
moves and films
people
Zoom, Reverse
Zoom, Crash Zoom
Different types of
zooms that can be
used to show a range
of feelings and
emotion
Hand Held
Used to create a more
‘real’ effect
Deep/Shallow
Focus
When the focus is n
two people, then it is
a deep focus where
each character is as
important as one
another. Shallow
focus is on the most
important character
in the shot.
Pull Focus
When focus is quickly
pulled to the most
important object in
the shot

3. Rule of thirds
Grid used to
determine where
people should stand
in shot to show who
is the most important
Eye line Match
Spatial continuity, so
that the viewer sees
exactly what the
character is seeing
Long shot
Used to focus on a
wide space
Medium shot
Used to bring focus to
one person and helps
the audience
understand their
emotion
Medium close-up
Adds to emotion
created by medium
shot
Extreme close-up
Adds to emotion
created by medium
close-up

4. Aerial shot
Used to establish a
scene/setting, or
show a scene in a
dramatic way
Establishing shot
Used to establish a
scene/setting
POV
A shot from the point
of view of one
character
Over the shoulder
A shot filmed over the
shoulder of a
character, but not
hiding their identity
Two shot
A shot with two
people in the frame