Camera shots and angles

Camera shots

Extreme Long shot

This shot is used to establish a location or time, or to show an actor leading from one place to another.

Long Shot

This is used to show an actor from head to foot.

Middle Shot

This shot is closer than a long shot, and lets the audience see more emotion in the actor.

Close up

This is a close up of the actors face, or object, and is used to add context of a scene. For an actor the shot is usually seen from the shoulders up

Extreme Close Up

This shot is an extreme close up of an object or person, usually focusing on the eyes of an actor.

Camera Angles

Zoom in/out

This lets the shot move closer to the actor or object without the camera man moving. This shot is often used to add tension to a scene.

Track in/out

This angle is similar to zooming, except the camera man physically moves the camera towards the actor or object. This shot is used to reveal something in a scene, like a murder weapon or suspect.

Pan

This angle is where the camera physically moves side to side of up and down to follow the scene. It can be used to follow alongside a running actor or a car.

Tilt

This angle is where the camera (whilst stationary) pans up or down, this can only be done well with the help of a tripod. This shot can be used to reveal something in a scene.