Camera Work
Basic Framing
a shot taken from a close distance in which the subject is magnified to appear relatively large and fill the entire frame to focus attention
close-up shot
a shot taken from an extremely close distance in which the subject is magnified to appear very large to vividly emphasize its importance
extreme close-up shot
a shot in which the subject is framed from a medium distance, e.g. the waist up
medium shot
a shot in which the subject is framed completely from head to toe or top to bottom
long shot
a shot filmed from a far-away location relative to the subject; often used for an establishing shot
extreme long shot
Camera Angles
a shot in which the figure is framed at eye level, the most common angle
straight-on angle
shifts the camera head on the diagonal either right or left, symbolizing confusion or danger
canted frame
a shot in which the camera is operated from beneath the figure with the viewer’s perspective looking up at the figure, often implying strength or triumph
low angle
a shot in which the camera is operated from above the figure with the viewer’s perspective looking down on the figure, often implying weakness or defeat
high angle
a shot that is taken from an aircraft or extremely high crane and implies the observer’s omniscience; also known as “aerial view”
bird’s eye view
a pole-like device for holding the microphone in the air, out of camera range
boom
Visual Orientation
a rule that camera operators must follow – an imaginary line on one side of the axis of action which the camera must not cross
180-degree rule
a medium or close-up shot of two people, often in dialogue with each other, to provide contrast between the two characters
two-shot
a shot in which the subject is photographed by an encircling or moving camera
arc shot
Focus
a depth of composition of a shot where there are several planes -- foreground, middle-ground, and background -- in focus. Also called “deep focus.”
depth of field
A lens of variable focal length
zoom
to adjust the lens during a shot so that the subject is in focus
rack focus
a day’s shooting on film which is quickly developed in the lab and viewed to determine if retakes are necessary
rushes or dailies
Special Cameras
a hand-held camera with a special mechanical harness that allows the operator to take steady shots while moving with the action
steadicam
a specialized big- screen format about ten times larger than the traditional 35mm cinema format
IMAX
Axis Movement
the horizontal movement of a camera head on the axis of its tripod
pan
the vertical movement of the camera head on the axis of its tripod
tilt
Camera Movement
a trolley on which a camera can be horizontally moved about on tracks
dolly
the movement of a camera on a dolly: forward, backwards, or to one side. Also called a “dolly shot.”
tracking or trucking shot
a shot in which a moving camera keeps pace with a moving subject
running shot