Camera Shot Types Homework Help Sheet

Help sheet for camera shot types

close-up 

This shot focuses heavily on the face or a object, normally blurring out the background to have a deeper focus. This is often used to add emphasis to a scene or image.

Extreme close-up

This shot  fits the whole frame of a photo, and you can only see a certain feature within the frame, for instance a human feature that focuses solely on the eyes. 

Long shot

 This shot shows a realistic scale of an object or human being. It is able to fit objects and people within a scene in the frame without cutting anything out. It is also able to if necessary, show other people in the background.






Mid shot

This shot is where the camera focuses on a figure from the waist and up, or an object with little zoom.The background goes a blurry and focuses on the characters facial expressions.

High Angle

This shot is similar to a birds eye view, but instead of using a helicopter to get an overview of the scene, a crane is used to elevate the camera,and then focus on filming something at ground level.

Low Angle

This shots are filmed at ground level and are used commonly when filming action scenes. This adds the effect of anxiousness for the character on screen, and fear, because the effect is used to build up tension for a scene.This type shot would be used for example when; a character has to jump from one building to another, or from one building to the ground.

POV (Point Of View) Shot

This shot is in the perspective of a character within thefilm, it is as if the audience are experiencing everything the character goes through within that scene. It is a technique used to make the audience feel like they are part of the film, and actually are the main character. 

Over The Shoulder 

This shot is used to show the perspective of a character, as if they are being watched or followed by somebody.The purpose of this type shot is to engage the audience as if they are in the presence of the characters.

Establishing Shot

This shot is normally used in the beginning of the movie and when a new scene is taking place.This designed to show the audience where the action is going to be set next.