Camera Shots Explained

1. MEDIA CAMERA SHOTS
By Tyler Johnson

2. AERIAL SHOT
• An aerial shot is a type of shot taken from a elevated view from a plane or a
helicopter slanted but not exactly moving, partially circling. The main source of
light is behind the subject. For example this shot below is a aerial shot of a city
skyline in the evening represents the shot I am describing.

3. BIRDS EYE VIEW
• The scene is shown from directly above. This is a completely different and
somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or
for showing a different spatial perspective. In drama it can be used to show
the positions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the
viewer to see things the characters can't. The bird's-eye view is also very
useful in sports, documentaries, etc.

4. CLOSE-UP
• In the close-up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of
the frame. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face (unless
specified otherwise). Close-ups are obviously useful for showing detail and can
also be used as a cut-in. A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional
state. Whereas a mid-shot or wide-shot is more appropriate for delivering
facts and general information, a close-up exaggerates facial expressions
which convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space
and shares their feelings.

5. ESTABLISHING SHOT
• A usually long shot in film or video used at the beginning of a sequence to
establish an overview of the scene that follows. Usually used to introduce the
audience to a scene/city that is key.

6. HIGH-ANGLE
• A high-angle shot is a cinematic technique where the camera looks down on
the subject from a high angle and the point of focus often gets "swallowed
up." High-angle shots can make the subject seem vulnerable or powerless
when applied with the correct mood, setting, and effects.

7. LOW-ANGLE
• In cinematography, a low-angle shot, is a shot from a
camera angle positioned low on the vertical axis, anywhere below the eye
line, looking up. Psychologically, the effect of the low-angle shot is that it
makes the subject look strong and powerful.

8. MID-SHOT
• The mid shot shows some part of the subject in more detail, whilst still showing
enough for the audience to feel as if they were looking at the whole subject. In
fact, this is an approximation of how you would see a person "in the flesh" if
you were having a casual conversation. You wouldn't be paying any attention
to their lower body, so that part of the picture is unnecessary.

9. LONG-SHOT
• This is the most difficult to categorise precisely, but is generally one which
shows the image as approximately "life" size is corresponding to the real
distance between the audience and the screen in a cinema (the figure of a man
would appear as six feet tall). This category includes the FULL SHOT showing
the entire human body, with the head near the top of the frame and the feet
near the bottom.

10. TWO-SHOT
• There are a few variations on this one, but the basic idea is to have a
comfortable shot of two people. Often used in interviews, or when two
presenters are hosting a show. A "One-Shot" could be a mid-shot of either of
these subjects. A "Three-Shot", unsurprisingly, contains three people. Two-shots
are good for establishing a relationship between subjects.