This document defines and describes various common camera shot types used in cinematography including high-angle shots, low-angle shots, two shots, point of view shots, medium close ups, establishing shots, close ups, extreme close ups, long shots, and over the shoulder shots. Each shot type is used to convey a different meaning, perspective, or relationship between subjects through camera placement and field of view.

1. Cinematography: Camera Shot Types
Cinematography- The science orart of motionpicture photography.
High-angle shot
For a high-angle shot
the camera looksdown
on the subjectfroma
highangle andcan
make the subjectseem
vulnerable orpowerless
whenappliedwiththe
correct mood,setting
and effects.
Low-angle shot
Thisis whenthe camera
angle ispositionedlow,
anywhere below the
eye line,lookingup.
Psychologically,the
effectof a lowangle
shotis that itmakesthe
subjectlookstrongand
powerful.

2. Two shot
Two-shotcamerashots
are goodfor
establishinga
relationshipbetween
subjectsandshowing
interactionswithina
conversation.
Point ofview shot
(alsoknownasPOV
shotor a subjective
shot) isa shortfilm
scene thatshowswhat
a character (the subject)
islookingat
(representedthrough
the camera).

3. Mediumclose up
Showsthe subject
usuallyfromthe waist
up to include torso,
headand shoulders.
Establishingshot
Establisheswherethe
filmissetor where the
actionwill take place.

4. Close up
Tightshot of the
subject- fora person
usuallyjustthe heado
face of the actor.
Extreme close up
Showingonlythe
mouth,eyesorother
featuresetcif a person
isthe subject.Usually
thisshottype is usedto
showemotion.

5. Long shot
Full bodyshotof the
actor (or full viewof the
subjectinpicture).
Over the shoulder
Oftenusedduring
conversations –camera
positiontodemonstrate
interactionsbetween
characters.