This document provides definitions and examples of common camera techniques used in filmmaking. It describes different types of shots like high angle, low angle, bird's eye view, and canted shots and how they are used to convey meaning. It also defines different camera movements like pans, whips pans, tilts, dollies, cranes, and steadicams. Additionally, it covers techniques like zooming, depth of field, focus pulls, and establishing shots and how they are used to show importance or unease. The document serves as a useful reference for understanding different visual storytelling techniques in film.

1. Camera Glossary
Camera Term Example Connotation/usage
High Angle Shows
inferiority/powerlessness
of a character.
Low angle shot Shows superiority of a
character.
Bird’s eye view View straight down
Canted (Dutch) angle Tilted camera to show
unease
Pan Movement from left to
right
Whip pan
commonly used in chase
scenes
Fast pan to show speed
Dolly Moving on a track for
steady movement
Tilt Up/down movement
Crane Camera movement high
off the ground using a
crane

2. Steadicam Smooth flexible
movement
Handheld Shakier movement.
Zoom Zooming in or out on an
object or person to show
importance.
Deep focus All objects in focus.
Shallow focus Background out of focus.
Pull focus Shallow focus<->deep
focus
Rule of Thirds Frame divided into 9
squares
Eye line match Edit. Characters eye lines
are at same level.
Long shot Full body
Close up Face
Aerial shot Helicopter
Medium close up Head + shoulders
Medium shot Waist up
Medium long shot Knees to head
Establishing shot Shows location
POV From characters POV
Extreme close up Reaction/emotion
Over shoulder shot See relationship between
characters
Two shot Two characters in a
frame/shot.