Camera Shots

Close Up

A zoomed in shot of an object or person. Mainly used to show a person’s facial expressions and reactions. Also establishes a relationship with the person.

Mid Shot

A shot of a person from the waist up. Often shows the action the person taking. Establishes no real emotional connection.

Long Shot

A shot showing a person’s whole body and to see their surroundings. Gives a sense of isolation and surroundings.

Medium Long Shot

A shot showing the whole of a person but not much of the surroundings.

Extreme Long Shot

Normally used to show all of the surroundings around a certain person or object. But also shows significant isolation, vulnerability or loneliness.

Extreme Close-Up

A very zoomed in shot. Normally used on a person. Shows extreme emotion and connection to a character. Can be used on an object to show its significance.

Aerial Shot

Aerial shots are usually done with a crane or with a camera attached to a special helicopter to view large landscapes or for establishing shots.

Low-Angle Shot

Any shot below the eyeline, looking up. Gives power and domination to the person or object being looked upon.

Over the shoulder shot

A shot of someone or something taken over the shoulder of another person. Shows conversations or reactions.

Point of view shot

Shows what a character is exactly seeing from his view. Often used for perspective and to induce emotion and empathy for the character.

Two-Shot

A shot that shows two people in it. Normally shows the relationship between the two people.

Establishing Shot

Sets the location of a scene. Often from high above and tells the audience exactly where they are.

By Joshua Thomas