This document defines and provides examples of different camera angles used in filmmaking, including high angle shots, low angle shots, establishing shots, long shots, medium shots, close-ups, point-of-view shots, two shots, and over-the-shoulder shots. Each shot type is used to convey different meanings by manipulating the perspective and focus of the camera.

1. Camera Angles

2. High Angle shot
High Angle shots are typically used to show power and
superiority by looking down onto someone. They can
also be used to show fear by making the character
appear small and weak.
In the image of Daniel Radcliffe as harry potter the
A shot whereby the camera is
positioned at an angle above
the object

3. Low angle shot
This is used to show that something is superior or stronger
than something else. Something the other characters in
the story would fear.
On the image from Charlie in chocolate factory the angle is
used to show that Charlie is gaining power and control as
he Is given the factory from Willy Wonka.
A shot whereby the camera is
positioned at an angle below
the object

4. Establish Shot
Sets the scene so the audience are aware of where the
events are taking place and are more familiar with the
setting.
In the devil wears Prada opening title the shot is used to
show the setting of New York city so that the audience is
confused about where the film is set.
A wide shot of a location that
establishes a sense of
environment and surrounding.

5. Extreme long shot
To show the audience more of the situation and what's
happening around the main subject of the shot.
In the shot from lord of the rings it is used to show
the setting of the film and where the action will be
taking place.
A wide shot that places a person or
object a long distance away from
the camera.

6. Long Shot
A long shot shows more of the situation and helps the
audience to establish what's happening around the main
character and what could be affecting them.
In the image from the stripped pyjamas the shot shows a
clearer point of view of what the children are doing so the
A shot in which a person can
be seen from head to toe.

7. Medium Long Shot
A medium long shot opens up the scene to a bit more
information than a medium close up would. It normally means
that the characters entire body can be seen.
In the image from the batman the shot is used to show the
jokers isolation as he stand alone with a crowd of people
A shot in which a person can be
seen from head to knee

8. Medium Shot
Puts more focus on a particular character as it shows them head to waist.
In the image from the hunger games shows Katnis’ strength and focus as
the camera pulls in tight to show how strong she holds her bow.
A shot in which a person is seen
from the head to the waist

9. Medium Close up Shot
A shot in which a person can
be seen from head to
shoulders/upper body
Typically used to add emphasis to the scene and create a tighter focus.
The medium close-up is half way between a Mid Shot and a Close-Up.
This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably
close.
For example, the scene with the guard shows both the expression and

10. Close-up Shot
A shot in which a persons head
is captured
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. These can be used in cut-ins. A close-up of a person
emphasizes their emotional state. The viewer is drawn into the subject's
personal space and shares their feelings.
The image of Zac Efron from high school musical shows the

11. Extreme Close-up Shot
A shot which captures a specific
feature or reaction on a person’s face
Typically used to get right in and show extreme detail. You would
normally need a specific reason to get this close. It is too close to show
general reactions or emotion except in very dramatic scenes.
The image of magneto (Eric) shows just they eyes. This is effective
because it shows the emotion only through his eyes making the pain

12. Point-of-view Shot
A shot captured from a
person’s point of view
Typically used to show the expressions and events that the character
supposedly sees. This shot shows a view from the subject's perspective.
It is usually edited in such a way that it is obvious whose point of view
it is.
The image of the man with the gun shows the ‘victims’ view and what
he is supposedly seeing. The nose of the gun is in the centre showing the

13. Two Shot
Any shot with two
people in
Typically used to show the focus on the conversation/action because
there are only two people in the shot. Two-shots are good for
establishing a relationship between subjects. A two-shot could also
involve movement or action. It is a good way to follow the interaction
between two people without getting distracted by their surroundings.
For example, the image of Iron Man and Captain America show the
close interaction between them and the anger as they are both looking

14. Over-the-shoulder shot
A shot in which we see a
character over another
character’s shoulder.
Typically used to show the reaction/response to a comment from a
persons point of view. This shot is framed from behind a person who is
looking at the subject. The person facing the subject should usually
occupy about 1/3 of the frame. It's common to cut between these shots
during a conversation, alternating the view between the different
speakers.