The Close Up Shot (CU) is where the characters face dominates the frame. Normally the character is shown from the top of the head, down to their neck. Sometimes, the very top and/or the bottom of the face might be slightly off screen. The CU shot is used to focus the audiences attention on a characters emotions and thoughts. By filling the screen, the audience can see subtle expressions that communicate how a character is feeling. The CU is also used on objects that hold significance.

The Medium Shot (MS) is where a character's upper body is in the shot. Because the character is further away from the camera, we also can see some of the background. The MS is used to show a character within their environment. We can see their arms, so gestures and posture can be seen, which gives us an insight into the character. Seeing some of the background also shows the character and how they are interacting with other elements in the scene (People, Objects, Conversation, Gestures).

The Long Shot (LS) is where the entire character is captured, from head to toe. The LS is used to focus on the full body actions of a character (Dancing, Fighting, Running etc). Because the character is smaller on screen, we also are able to see a lot more of their environment that the character is within, so is an effective way of using the setting to aid in storytelling. The LS also can be used on larger objects.

The Extreme Close Up (ECU) is where the camera is focused tightly on a specific body part (Eyes, Mouth, Hand etc). The ECU is used to bring the audiences attention to this part. This is used sparingly, but when the film-maker wants to make a big point about a small action. Because the camera is extremely close, it can be used to unsettle the audience, or to make a subtle action that only the audience knows about (and not other characters in the scene).

The Medium Close Up (MCU) fits somewhere between the CU and the MS - somewhere near the elbows. It is effective at delivering a bit of both of these shots effects.

The Medium Long Shot (MLS) fits somewhere between the MS and the LS - somewhere near the knees. It is effective at delivering a bit of both of these shots effects.

The Extreme Long Shot (ELS) or the Wide Shot (WS) is where a character is very far away; further than the LS. The prime focus of the ELS is on the environment the character is in. Often used to show sweeping landscapes, buildings, characters with crowds etc.