SHOT TYPES & CAMERA ANGLES
3 BASIC SHOT TYPES Wide Shot Medium Shot Close-up
WIDE SHOT: A.K.A. Establishing Shot or Long Shot Shows the viewer the subject’s location. The background is identifiable. This shot typically show the subject from the feet to the top of the head.
MEDIUM SHOT: Shows less of the scene than the wide shot. The camera seems closer to the subject. Used when you want a closer look at your subject. This shot shows the subject from the waist up.
CLOSE UP SHOT: Shows an even smaller part of the subject. Great for showing a person's emotion. This shot shows the subject from the top of the chest or shoulders up.
FRAMING: “FILL THE FRAME!” It’s OK to cut off a small part of the head with the top of the frame. TOP OF FRAME LEFT FRAME RIGHT FRAME BOTTOM OF FRAME
FRAMING: FILL THE FRAME! Proper Medium Shot CORRECT! INCORRECT!
RULE OF THIRDS: FRAME DON’T AIM! W RULE OF THIRDS: FRAME DON’T AIM!
W RULE OF THIRDS:
CAMERA ANGLES: Low Camera Angle The angle between the camera and the subject. Can trigger certain emotions for viewer. Medium Camera Angle High Camera Angle
LOW CAMERA ANGLE Shows the subject from below. Camera points up at the subject. Gives the impression of power or dominance.
HIGH CAMERA ANGLE Shows the subject from above. Camera is angled down towards subject. Has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful or insignificant.
MEDIUM CAMERA ANGLE Most common angle. Shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.