Cinematography The Art of Creating Motion Pictures

Rule of ThirdsThis is a general principle of art and photography which is considered to make images more visually appealing.

Basic Shots

Wide Shot Extreme Wide Shot

Medium ShotMedium Close Up

Close Up

Extreme Close Up

More Advanced Shots

Two Shot

Cut Away

Selective Focus

Over the Shoulder

Point of View

Camera Angles

Looking Up (Also notice the use of shadows in this shot)

Overhead or Ariel view

Eye Level

Looking Down

Camera MovementsMounted Camera Pan -Camera stays on a tripod but moves horizontally (left to right)

Mounted Camera Tilt- Camera stays on a tripod but moves vertically ( up and down)Moving Camera Dolly- Camera is mounted on a dolly (something with wheels- You can make your own with a skateboard)Moving Camera Handheld- Where the camera moves slightly as the person holding it moves. (like in The Blair Witch Project)Camera Lens Zoom - Zooming can create many different illusions, which can effect the viewers perception of size and distance. Alternately, zooming can be used to more adequately portray the size or distance to a viewer. It is recommended that you use a tripod when using the zoom technique.

Other tricks that can help tell your story...

Back LightingFraming

Juxtaposition (Norman is opposite bars, this is foreshadowing how he will be “behind bars” very soon.)

Use of Shadows (helps add extra drama or an eerie feeling)

Mirrors and Dual Image (can give that feeling of the other side, or evil twin, or just a sense that things are not as they seem.)