BASIC CAMERA SHOTS

When shooting, a director needs to think about a myriad of ways to present content to the viewer. One object can be portrayed in so many different ways buy altering the light which it is shown or simply repositioning the camera.

In a film, space is defined by the frame (the screen). "Framing" refers to the relationship of the objects in the shot to the frame. For example, tight framing is often used for close shots. Close shots are typically used to show the viewer something in detail such as a character's facial expressions.

Loose framing is used in long shots to allow characters to have more freedom of movement while also showcasing more of the scenery behind them.

Everything in the frame is there for a reason.

A wide shot refers to the content and purpose of the shot, not the width of the actual frame as this cannot be changed. Wide shots give a broad view of an area.

Extreme wide shots are often used as establishing shots due to the depth that they provide.

Basic camera shots consist of close up, medium close-up, mid-shot, medium-long shot, long shot, and extreme long shot.

A close up gives a detailed view of a person or object, only the head, which fills the frame. This helps to create a sense of intimacy and helps the viewer to identify with the character. When using a widescreen, close-ups can be difficult due to the large space needing to be filled.

In addition to this, an extreme close up can be used to create a sinister effect. This entails focusing on a particular body part or facial feature such as the eyes or mouth However, this is not often used.

A medium close-up and a mid-shot, are often difficult to differentiate between. However, both include the character's head and shoulders. This gives actors more freedom to move around when filming while also allowing more content to be fit into the frame.

A long shot is often used to showcase the entire body and puts the character into the context of the wide setting. Extreme long-shots can be described as any shot where the surroundings dwarf the characters. Too many LS or ELS can prevent the viewer from getting involved while also creating a large amount of space to fill - especially in widescreen.