On a basic level, using a variety of different shot types in your videos will provide the audience with a richer experience of your chosen subject matter, concept or story.
Once you become more familiar with the language of shot types and the visual impact they have, you can begin to make more informed choices improving your visual storytelling.
You absolutely do not have to use all of them, usually only a handful per shoot, and you'll find yourself drawn towards particular ones as your develop your personal filmic style.
Cameras
An array of shot types can be achieved using one camera with zoom capability or multiple lenses, or with the ability to move physically to capture a range of perspectives.
If more than one camera / smartphone is used, camera coverage should be split, with one camera acquiring wider shots or a master shot and additional cameras capturing mids, close ups & b-roll.
If the objective is to produce a multi-cam edit for example, more than one camera or more than one take would be required.
Intended outcome of the video recording:
- Personal / Public Records
- For use in presentations & research
- To generate promotional materials, showreels, etc.
- Generate a full multi-cam edit to share with a wider audience
- Online presence, website, social media, etc
- Evidence to support funding applications
- To share the experience Live, Nationally &/or Internationally
Who / what are you filming?
- Is your focus a whole event or group, or an individual piece or performer, or on a space, object or activity?
- How old are the participants, is written permission required from parental guardians!
- Who else is in the space, technicians, audience, customers, bystanders? Are you in a public space, should you have permission?