Different types of camera shot.

By Luke Woolhead.

Extreme close up.

• This type of shot is used to show very small details either on a persons face or an object.

• One example would be in a horror film when some one screams they usually do an extreme close up on their face.

Close up.

• This type of shot is used to revel detail. If a picture is taken with only the head and shoulders of some one then it is close up. One example of a close up could be what is known as a ‘jump scare’ in horror games/films. A jump scare involves a character either running or appearing out of nowhere in front of the camera and making loud scream while doing so. A jump scare could probably be an extreme close up to as it depends on the distance from the camera.

Head and shoulders.

• This type of shot is used in news programs as usually only the head and shoulders of presenters are visible. It helps to show emotion on the presenters face.

Bust shot

• This shot is used to show a subject from above the knees to above the head. It is sometimes used if the audience need to see the person in the photo doing an action which requires detail. An example of this would be the cover for the game ‘halo: Combat Evolved’, as a bust shot is sued for the main character on the front with a glimpse of one of the locations from the game behind him.

Medium shot

• This shot is used to show a person from just bellow the waist to above the head. This provides more room than in a bust shot. An example of a mid shot could be a film poster as some use mid shots so you can see the main character in detail but, also some of the surrounding area as well to help give an idea of what the film is about.

Medium long shot

• This type of shot is used to show a person from just above their knees to above their head. It is used to get more information on what is happening around the person while still being able to see their face expressions.

Long shot

• This shot is used to include the whole person in the image. It is usually used in films when some one is walking towards the camera. It may be used in photography if a large group is doing a group shot.

Extra long/establishing shot

• This type of shot is used to show more about where the person in the shot actually is. It is very useful if the person in the shot is moving to a new location. It could also be used in a chase scene.

2 shot

• This type of shot is used to show two people in front of the camera. It is usually used when two people are having a conversation in a film, or a climatic fight in an action film between he main lead character and the main villain of the film.

Over shoulder

• This type of shot used when some one is talking but the camera is placed just over the shoulder of the person in front of the person speaking. It may be used in fight scenes.

Three shot

• This type of shot is used when three subjects are in the same image. This type of shot could be used for small group shots. An example of a film this could be used in is a zombie film, where you have a small group of survivors moving around between locations.

Hip/cowboy shot

• This type of shot is used to build suspense. It is mostly used in Westerns when two people are about to have a stand off, the camera is placed by their leg where there gun is to build suspense to see who will fire their gun first. It is usually paired with an extreme close up of the subjects face to also build suspense during stand offs or shoot outs.