Camera Shots

Establishing Shot - Usually a long shot, sets up the setting of a scene. It is used at the beginning of a movie.

Close up Shot - Tightly frames a person or object to show detail or emotion. To make things significant.

Medium Shot - Cuts of at the waist. Generally shows more body language and less specific detail.

Long Shot - Shows the entire figure or object, often in relation to its surroundings. typically filmed 'far' rom the object.

Tracking Shot - Follows the action at a constant distance. It keeps the object on screen.

Aerial Shot - Shows the entire image from a high position. Sometimes referred to as a birds' eye view shot.

Dolly Shot - The camera is placed on a dolly and moves at a constant rate. It does not necessarily follow the action.

Handheld Shot - Filmed from cameraman's own hands therefore it is a little shaky. It can be used to show perspective or feeling.

Zoom Shot - Either zooms into isolate the subject or zoom out to show it in a wider context.

Swish Pan - Moves the camera from one subject to another very quickly.

High Angle - The camera is located above the subject and films down on it. Sometimes used to show which character is more powerful.

Reverse Angle (shot reverse shot) - Switches between 2 or more subjects during a dialogue scene.

Low Angle - Shot from knees up. Shows power of character.

Arc Shot - To move around an object.

Point of View Shot - When you look through the characters eyes.

Head on Shot - When the action comes straight at the camera.