Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Using a camera

Camera Shots:

  • Establishing shot/ - provides information for the setting, it shows the exterior, indicates a time and location and gives you a chance to see the character from head to toe.
  • Mid shot- is from the waist up  enabling the audience to become more familiar with the character.
  • Close up shot- Works as a reference point, shows head and shoulders, it frames an object of importance.
  • Tow shot- expresses relationship between two characters & is often shown in tv shows.
  • Extreme close ups- draws the audience into the characters emotion, this can be very intense.
Camera Angles:
  • Over the shoulder- enables the audience to see objects or people from over the shoulder of the character. This then becomes shot, reverse shot.
  • High angle- camera points down on the character and gives a sense of vulnerability, this is used in moments of defeat.
  • Low angle- camera points down on the character, this gives a sense of power and makes the audience feel vulnerable to the character.
Camera Movement:
  • Tracking shot: moves backwards or forwards, tracking in brings you deeper into the scene and tracking out signifies the end of action.
  • Sideways track- is used to follow movement so the audience can keep pace with the action.
  • Tilt shot- is a movement up or down  on an axis, it creates an effect of height and power.
  • Zoom- alternative to tracking shot and shows movement of in or out.
  • Arc shot- A full or semi circle around the characters enables a view of the characters reaction. It increases the intensity of the environment.
  • Crane shot - follows the action in a vertical direction.
  • Panning shot - the camera is on a tripod and and moved left to right and is used to follow moving objects.


Body of lies is a good example of a film that uses a range of camera shots and motions. Some of the shots in the opening scene are:
Close up                                                Low angle
Mid shot                                                Tilt shot
Establishing/long shot                           Ark
Panning                                                 Point of view


1 comment:

  1. Good. You'll get to test some of these out next week!

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