Camera Shots are used in all facets of the visual arts, including live television.
Film, television, video, and photography work use a variety of terms to describe different types of shots that can be accomplished with a camera. Composition is one of the most important parts of these types of work, so professionals have developed a naming convention that keeps the terminology consistent.
Low Angle
The low angle looks up at a subject from below.
The low angle shot is set up very close to the ground, looking up at a subject. This angle makes the subject appear taller and more imposing. Use this to create a feeling of power over the viewer.
High Angle
Looking down from above makes the subject look smaller.
A high angle shot is usually shot above a subject, making him appear smaller in stature. Use this angle to create a feeling of power over the subject.
Long Shot
The Long Shot captures the subject fully.
Also known as a wide shot, a long shot (LS) is one which shows the subject in its entirety and uses the full frame (when the subject is a person). A long shot can also refer to a wide viewing angle of an entire scene that allows the viewer to see subjects in relation to their environments.
Medium Shot
The Medium shot captures the subject from the waist up.
When the subject is a person, a medium shot (MS) is generally one in which the frame captures the subject from the waist up. This allows for a bit more detail to be shown in the frame.
Close Up
Close ups show detail to convey emotion.
A Close Up (CU) shot includes the tops of a person's shoulders and the entire head. Only a part of the subject fills the entire frame, which provides a large amount of detail. Use this shot when you want to convey heavy emotion.
Extreme Close Up
Extreme Close Ups are used to capture detail.
A modification of the close up, an Extreme Close Up (ECU) goes deeper into the subject's personal space to show a particular feature or detail.
Dutch Tilt
The Dutch Tilt angles the horizon.
A Dutch Tilt or Dutch Angle shot is one in which the horizon of the frame is tilted at an extreme angle so as to be off horizontal. This serves to cause unease or disorientation.
Two Shot
The Two Shot captures two subjects in the same frame.
The Two shot is simply a shot of two similar subjects shown in the same frame at the same time. For example, two people in the frame at the same time is a two shot.
Over-The-Shoulder
An Over-The-Shoulder shot (OTS) is one in which the camera literally looks at the subject over the shoulder of a person. This conveys relative positioning between two subjects.
Point of View
The Point of View Shot (POV) takes the perspective of the subject to show what they are seeing.
Tags: captures subject, Dutch Tilt, Extreme Close, shot which, subject from
