Camera Angles

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Camera Composition (Shots, Angles, & Movement)
Long Shot
It establishes the scene Shows subjects in their surroundings Tells the viewer where the action is taking place
Medium Shot
Used to introduce a character for the first time Framing is usually set so that the top of the frame is just above the head and the bottom of the fame is just below the waist
Medium Close-up
Tighter than a medium shot The top of the frame is just above the characters head and the bottom of the frame is just below the chest
Close-up
Used to reveal a characters feelings. Restrict how much of a scene and/or action the audience sees. The top of the frame is just above the characters head and the bottom of the frame is just below the chin.
Extreme Close Up
Often used to reveal feelings WITHOUT using dialogue or to provide the audience with a view of a specific detail Examples include a persons eyes, mouth, or hands, or an inanimate object such as the contents of a letter
Long Shot
Medium Shot
Close-Up Shot
Medium Close-up
Extreme Close-up
Two-Shot
Shows two persons in a shot
Three-shot
Shows three persons in a shot
Over the Shoulder

Shooting over-the-shoulder of one subject to reveal another subject. The speakers full face is shown while the camera is aimed over the shoulder of the listener Used in interview situations.
Straight Angle
The camera is placed directly in front of the talent at eye-level and is used to involve the audience with the action Example would be the shot used during the anchors delivery of the news
Eye Level
Most commonly used angle
Whether the subject is standing or seated and regardless of how small or tall your subject may be.
Eye Level
Side Angle
The camera is placed at eye level, but usually at a 45 degree angle from the subject. The audience views the action but is not directly involved in the action.
Low Angle
The camera is placed below the subject and is aimed up (shoots upward). This angle exaggerates height and can give the impression that the subject is larger and more powerful.
Low Angle
High Angle
The camera is above the subject matter and is aimed down (shoots downward). This angle has the effect of reducing the apparent height of the subject & gives the impression that the subject is smaller and less powerful.
High Angle
Camera Movements
Dollying
Placing the camera on a tripod with wheels Allows camera to follow the action while maintaining a steady, nonshaky shot
Pan
The camera is moved horizontally from left to right or right to left (much like a head shaking from left to right to say no). Used to follow the action
Tilt
The camera is moved vertically up or down (much like a head nodding yes) Can be used to follow something as it falls, or rises
Zoom
Accomplished by pressing the W or the T on the zoom control. Brings the viewer closer to or further away from the action
Tricky Shots
Match Cut - Changing camera angles without breaking the continuity of motion from scene to scene
Imagine a Long Shot, Side Angle scene of someone walking, then dropping something; then, in the next scene you have a Close-Up Shot, Straight Angle of the persons face showing his/her reaction to the dropping of the item. Although the scene may actually have been filmed using two cameras or the action may have been stopped in order for the one and only camera to change positions, the audience never notices any disruption in the action.
Screen Direction
What is screen direction?

Screen direction is the direction people and objects face when viewed through the camera. When shooting a scene, place the center of interests on an imaginary line. This line should not be crossed by the cameraperson to avoid reversal of screen direction.
Example of Screen Direction

In this example, the elephant did NOT change directions; instead, the photographer is simply on the other side of the elephant in each separate picture (thus, making it appear that the elephant is walking in two different directions. Reversing the screen direction (crossing that imaginary line) confuses the audience and makes them think the subject is going in the opposite direction from which they came
Composition
The arranging or placing of elements in a shot.
Rule of Thirds
The viewfinder screen is divided into thirds horizontally and vertically (like a tic-tactoe board). When framing a shot, the cameraperson should consider these imaginary lines by preferably placing the center of interest at one of the four intersecting points or on one of the lines.
Head Room
A persons head should be appropriately placed in the shot. Dont cut off the top of their head, but dont leave so much space above their head that it distracts from their face.
Good Example of Headroom Bad Example of Headroom
Leading Looks
When shooting a person or object in profile, leave space in front of the person or object.
Leading Lines
Lines that are in the environment may be used to lead to the center of interest.
Level Horizon
Keep the horizon level. A sloping horizon or a floor that doesnt appear horizontal is distracting to viewers.
Framing
Elements in the environment, such as trees and arches, etc., may be used to create a border or frame around the shot.
Background
Elements in the environment may distract the viewer from the center of interest. Be aware of bright colors, moving objects, and any objects that appear to grow out of peoples heads or blend with a person.
Other things to consider
Objects that are closest to camera will appear larger than those that are far away
Arrange Groups Naturally

Avoid widely separated subjects positioned at either edge of the frame. Avoid large height differences between two people in a scene
Bad examples of arranging groups
Good examples of how to arrange groups
Silhouette Shot
Background will be bright causing the subject to appear as a dark image A dark image outlined against a lighter background

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Camera Angles

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Generated by Foxit PDF Creator Foxit Software http://www.foxitsoftware.com For evaluation only.

Camera Composition (Shots, Angles, & Movement)

Over the Shoulder

What is screen direction?

Example of Screen Direction

Other things to consider

Arrange Groups Naturally

Bad examples of arranging groups

Good examples of how to arrange groups

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