Camera Shots, Angles & Movements

A shot that establishes a location to show where the scene or action will take place. 

Also called an Extreme Wide Shot (EWS). 

When to use it: When cutting to a new scene and/or introducing a new location. 

This shot often sets the scene and our character’s place in it.

It is usually possible to discern individuals but there is also a great deal of background. 

When to use it: When you’re showing the scope of the world, the environment around a character, or when the location changes to reestablish the new location.

Frames the character from head to toe, with the subject roughly filling the frame.

The shot allows the viewer to see the relationship between the subject and the location of the scene.

When to use it: When you want to show a character’s full attire and range of movements, like entering or leaving a scene, or standing off against an enemy. 

A shot that captures a subject from around the waist up.

One of the most frequently used shots in film and television as it focuses on a character(s) in a scene while still showing some environment. 

When to use it: When in mid-conversation. 

Falls between a Medium Shot and a Close-Up, generally framing the subject from chest or shoulder up. 

A close-up usually shows a character’s face. Often used when shooting conversations.

In a close-up, the face of the character fills the frame, with the bottom of the frame cutting off right below the subject’s shoulders. 

When to use it: When attempting to convey a specific and important emotion or feeling. 

Extreme close-ups are used to show small details, such as a character’s eyes, an ant on someone’s skin or a blade of grass.

Draw the eyes to one very specific subject. 

Can be used to convey emotion to the audience.

When the camera is placed at the subject’s height.

Eye level shots are incredibly common because they are neutral. They often have no dramatic power whatsoever. 

Where the camera is placed above the subject, looking down on them.

High angles emphasize the smallness of the character and make the subject seem vulnerable, weak, or frightened.

When to use it: When conveying a subject as inferior or weak compared to another subject. 

Trucking involves physically moving the camera left to right or right to left,  often placing it on a track or motorized vehicle.

Performing a truck lets the camera stay with a moving subject in the shot. 

Trucking is often used during action sequences when you want to keep the camera on a moving character.