Camera Angles and Shots

In our 2nd Week, we learnt about different shots and angles and what they mean. Here are the different types of shots and angles.

Different Angles

• Birds-eye view - This is taken directly overhead the subject that is being looked upon. This angle would be used to give the audience a powerful position with the audience feel as though they are looking down on the action.
• Eye Level - This shot is taken from eye level. This therefore allows us to see whatever the character is seeing as well as what they are doing. This type of angle is used in most films as this type of angle does not make the character more powerful nor does it make the character less powerful, it is neutral. 
• High-angle shot - This shot is taken from above, from a high angle looking down at a subject. This angle makes a subject seem vulnerable, small, powerless e.c.t
• Low-angle shot - This shot is taken from below from a lower angle then the subject/object, looking upwards at it. This angle can make a object seem important or heroic. This can also make, if the camera is from a persons perspective, a person seem inferior.
• Worm-shot view - This is a very low angle as if the camera was the 'worm'. This is shot from ground level so this could be used when someone is talking and the camera is on the ground looking up at them. This angle therefore could create suspense and mystery as you wouldn't be able to see the persons facial features and therefore the character would be unknown. 
• Canted - When the camera or frame is tilted to the side, this is called canted. It creates some distortion to the view for the audience.

Different Shots

•  Close up (CU) - A close up shows a person or object within the frame. This shows the part of a person/object in detail, for example this would be a frame which would contain a persons face or a frame containing writing within a book. Close up views are made so that you can see small details like things you would not see from a long shot or a persons faction expressions.  

• Extreme close up (ECU) - An extreme close up shows all the small details within a scene. In a thriller this might be used to reveal small details of a character or of an object like a person reaching in their pocket for a gun. Using this shot, you would not be able to see the persons name so therefore the mystery is created. 

• Mid Shot (MS) - A mid shot view is from just above the head to just below the waist. This shot allows you to see a characters expression clearly as well as any actions/pose they are doing. A mid shot could be used in a thriller to show a victim escaping from a mysterious figure.

• Long Shot (LS) - A long shot frame is where you can see a persons entire body. This would be used in a thriller for someone walking/moving. 

• Extreme Long Shot (ELS) - This shot involves having the characters body within the shot but also a bit of the environment/scenery/surroundings. This is an important shot if the character is changing locations. This allows the audience to distinguish where the character is or going to. It also lets the audience take in the environment. 

• Over the Shoulder Shot (OS/OTS) - An over the shoulder shot in any film, is taken from behind the character focusing on whatever is in front of them may it be another character or an important object. 

Other shots include:

• MLS - Medium Long Shot, this shot is between a long shot and a mid shot. This is from the top of a persons thighs to the top of the their head.
• MCU - Medium Close Up, this shot is a cross between a mid shot and close up, this is from a persons upper torso, shoulders and head.
• 2 Shot - this is a shot with two people in it and this is a good way to introduced a convocation. 

 Camera Movement 

Pan - movement which scans horizontally and this is often used to pivot a direction, this is also used to follow a persons direction when walking. 

Zoom lenses - this is when the camera magnifies on the image while recording. This can emphasize a feature of the frame. 

Tilts - a tilt movement tilts vertically, this also could be a way to introduce a new character.

Dolly shots - this is also known as Tracking/Trucking. This is when the camera moves alongside with the action within the scene. A example of this is a camera attached to a person, plane or car.

Hand held shot/Point of view (POV) - this can be a very 'julty' movement and inconsistent. This is where the camera is held by a character or someone within the action. This can give the effect as if you are within or taking part in the action itself.

Crane shots - this is a dolly shot in the air.

Ariel shot - this shot is taken usually looking down from a helicopter. From this shot you can zoom in or out of the scene to add a different effect.