Camera Angles and Shots.

Camera Angles and Shots.

Camera angles and shots (in film making) are put together to create a sequence of images, to make a short scene.


When describing camera angles or shots, there are three important factors:


1) The framing or length of shot.


2) The angle of shot


3) If there is any movement involved.






Different terms and names are used to show what is within a frame, how far away the camera is from the subject, and the perspective of the viewer. Each different shot has a different purpose and effect.




Establishing Shot (EST) - This shot shows the audience the exterior of the current setting of a movie. Mixed in with movement shots it can help with the genre of the film.






Medium Close Up (MCU) – Halfway between a mid shot and a close up. Shows appearance for shoulders to top of their head. Used to show facial expressions.







Long Shot (LS) – Subject takes up the full frame, or as much possible. Also can show surroundings around the character.







Big Close Up (BCU) - This shot will include the character full face from chin to hairline. to show extreme emotion. This shot will highlight the emotion on the character face and also show the audience the features of the characters face.






Wide Shot (WS) – It is used to observe most of the action in the shot. It shows the audience mostly characters in their surroundings.






Two Shot (MTS) – A shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot. A two shot could be used to show dialogue or gestures to inform an audience of crucial information. Like medium shot it will tend to show the characters from the waist upwards.






Medium Shot (MS) – Shows the top half of the subject in more detail. Helps audience to see if the subject is holding any objects, facial expressions and again gestures.








Point Of View (POV) – Gives the audience the feel that you’re seeing it from the eyes of the performer. It is taken from the eye-level of the actor and shows what he might see.








Close Up (CU) – The face of the subject takes up the whole frame. Close Ups are used to emphasize the facial expressions of actors/actresses and connote the atmosphereto the audience.








Extreme Close Up (ECU) – Extreme Close Ups show extreme detail and major significance.

High Angle (HA) - A high angle shot is an angle in which the camera is pointing down towards the character/object. Could be used to show the characters lack of power.

The Shoulder (OTSH) – Over the shoulder shot is framed as the audience is looking behind a person at the subject. Mainly used for dialogue and to show expression of one actor/actress.








Low Angle Shot (LAS) - Just like a high angle shot it can be used to show the power of a character or object.






Deep Shot - A deep shot is when the main focus is on a character or object in the centre of the shot. This will allow the audience to focus on the middle of the shot.









Overhead Shot - This shot is when it is taken from above the characters. Helps theaudience view from another perspective and show everything what is going on in the shot.