Camera Composition(Shots, Angles, & Movement)

Long Shot

It establishes the sceneShows subjects in their surroundingsTells the viewer where the action is taking place

Medium ShotUsed to introduce a character for the first timeFraming is usually set so that the top of the frame is just above the head and the bottom of the fame is just below the waist

Medium Close-upTighter than a medium shotThe top of the frame is just above the characters head and the bottom of the frame is just below the chest

Close-upUsed to reveal a characters feelings.Restrict how much of a scene and/or action the audience sees.The top of the frame is just above the characters head and the bottom of the frame is just below the chin.

Extreme Close UpOften used to reveal feelings WITHOUT using dialogue or to provide the audience with a view of a specific detailExamples include a persons eyes, mouth, or hands, or an inanimate object such as the contents of a letter

Two-ShotShows two persons in a shot

Three-shotShows three persons in a shot

Over the ShoulderShooting over-the-shoulder of one subject to reveal another subject.The speakers full face is shown while the camera is aimed over the shoulder of the listenerUsed in interview situations.

Straight AngleThe camera is placed directly in front of the talent at eye-level and is used to involve the audience with the actionExample would be the shot used during the anchors delivery of the news

Eye LevelMost commonly used angle

Whether the subject is standing or seated and regardless of how small or tall your subject may be.

Eye Level

Side AngleThe camera is placed at eye level, but usually at a 45 degree angle from the subject. The audience views the action but is not directly involved in the action.

Low AngleThe camera is placed below the subject and is aimed up (shoots upward).This angle exaggerates height and can give the impression that the subject is larger and more powerful.

Low Angle

High AngleThe camera is above the subject matter and is aimed down (shoots downward).This angle has the effect of reducing the apparent height of the subject & gives the impression that the subject is smaller and less powerful.

High Angle

Camera Movements

DollyingPlacing the camera on a tripod with wheelsAllows camera to follow the action while maintaining a steady, non-shaky shot

PanThe camera is moved horizontally from left to right or right to left (much like a head shaking from left to right to say no).Used to follow the action

TiltThe camera is moved vertically up or down (much like a head nodding yes)Can be used to follow something as it falls, or rises

ZoomAccomplished by pressing the W or the T on the zoom control.Brings the viewer closer to or further away from the action

Tricky ShotsMatch Cut - Changing camera angles without breaking the continuity of motion from scene to sceneImagine a Long Shot, Side Angle scene of someone walking, then dropping something; then, in the next scene you have a Close-Up Shot, Straight Angle of the persons face showing his/her reaction to the dropping of the item. Although the scene may actually have been filmed using two cameras or the action may have been stopped in order for the one and only camera to change positions, the audience never notices any disruption in the action.

Screen Direction

What is screen direction?Screen direction is the direction people and objects face when viewed through the camera. When shooting a scene, place the center of interests on an imaginary line. This line should not be crossed by the cameraperson to avoid reversal of screen direction.

Example of Screen DirectionReversing the screen direction (crossing that imaginary line) confuses the audience and makes them think the subject is going in the opposite direction from which they cameIn this example, the elephant did NOT change directions; instead, the photographer is simply on the other side of the elephant in each separate picture (thus, making it appear that the elephant is walking in two different directions.

CompositionThe arranging or placing of elements in a shot.

Rule of ThirdsThe viewfinder screen is divided into thirds horizontally and vertically (like a tic-tac-toe board). When framing a shot, the cameraperson should consider these imaginary lines by preferably placing the center of interest at one of the four intersecting points or on one of the lines.

Head RoomA persons head should be appropriately placed in the shot. Dont cut off the top of their head, but dont leave so much space above their head that it distracts from their face.

Leading LooksWhen shooting a person or object in profile, leave space in front of the person or object.

Leading LinesLines that are in the environment may be used to lead to the center of interest.

Level HorizonKeep the horizon level.A sloping horizon or a floor that doesnt appear horizontal is distracting to viewers.

FramingElements in the environment, such as trees and arches, etc., may be used to create a border or frame around the shot.

BackgroundElements in the environment may distract the viewer from the center of interest. Be aware of bright colors, moving objects, and any objects that appear to grow out of peoples heads or blend with a person.

Other things to consider

Objects that are closest to camera will appear larger than those that are far away

Arrange Groups NaturallyAvoid widely separated subjects positioned at either edge of the frame.Avoid large height differences between two people in a sceneBad examples of arranging groups

Good examples of how to arrange groups

Silhouette ShotBackground will be bright causing the subject to appear as a dark imageA dark image outlined against a lighter background