Camera Shots

A camera shot is the amount of space that is seen in one shot or frame. Camera shots are used to show different sides of a film's setting, characters and themes. Camera shots are also very important in shaping meaning in a film.

An extreme long shot contains a large amount of landscape. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or a film to show a general location or scene.

A long shot contains landscape but gives the viewer a more specific idea of setting. A long shot may show the viewers the building where the scene is take place.

A full shot contains a complete view of the characters. During a full shot viewers can take in the costumes and stance of characters and may also help to show the relationships between characters.

A mid shot contains the characters or character from the waist up. From this shot, viewers can see the characters face and facial expressions more clearly as well as their attitude with other characters.

A close-up contains just one character's face. This allows the viewers to understand the actor's emotions as well it helps to build set feelings like worry and sadness.

An extreme close-up contains one part of a character's face or objects for example the characters mouth or a danger sign. This technique is used very often in dramas and horrors because it helps to build tension and drama.

Click here for a great video on 15 of the main camera shots
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