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Shottypesandpositions 110926040345 Phpapp02
Shottypesandpositions 110926040345 Phpapp02
Shottypesandpositions 110926040345 Phpapp02
In this lesson we will be learning about the different types of shots and the reasons they are used. It is important that you know what the effect of a shot is, as this tells you why it was chosen by the director.
Close Up
This shot shows the subject up close. It focuses on the detail of an object or expression/reaction of a person. It shows either head or head and shoulders.
Wide Shot
Usually shot with a wide angle lens. This includes a lot of visual information for the audience to set the scene.
This shot sets the scene of Gladiator as the New Emperor moves up the steps. The crowds to the sides show the importance of this occaision and the colusseum and state buildings in the background are the scene for the power stuggle later in the film.
The camera can be static, which means it does not move. These are usually of short duration and can be highly effective.
Zoom Shots
The camera stays static but appears to move either closer or further from the object. This shot is used to many different effects and can be very obvious or very subtle.
Pan Shot
A Pan shot moves horizontally from a still camera, like standing still and turning your head from side to side.
Tilt Shot
http://elokuvantaju.uiah.fi/english/study_material/shot/tilttaus.jsp ?video=1
The camera moves vertically. It usually moves only in one direction- either tilt up or tilt down. Tilts are used to move between low and high angles. The effect is very common.
Tracking Shot
In a tracking shot, the entire camera moves. To move smoothly, the entire camera is mounted on a dolly, and these are also known as dolly shots.
Crane Shots
The camera is mounted on a crane, or mechanical arm that can lift it above the ground. Crane shots may not be very high, but have great flexibility for shots. They can be used dramatically to simulate flying or swooping through a scene.
Aerial Shot
An aerial shot is taken from a helicopter or plane. Aerial shots are used to a give birds-eye view of the action, the sensation of flying or extreme LongDistance establishing shots.
An aerial shot from Superman Returns
Handheld shots
The camera is not mounted on a stable surface, but is instead held by a person. These are used to produce a bumpy and jerky look, and were made popular after The Blair Witch Project It is often used to give a sense of reality or as POV shots
High-angle shots are basically the opposite of low-angles, both figuratively and literally. If you want to create a feeling of weakness with a school nerd being threatened by the bully, draw a subjective shot (camera is part of the action). Draw the nerd from a high angle, with him looking up toward the "camera" (which are the eyes of the bully.) The figure seems intimidated, or inferior to your audience.
Two shot
This is a shot of two people that shows the relationship between them. It can be used to show dialogue, with OTS and/or close-ups
A shot considered aesthetically beautiful would be when the eyes of an individual align with the top horizontal line in the frame. This is true even in a tight shot, even if the top of your subject's head is cut off (audiences don't find this distracting). That's not to say the eyes have to be lined up all the time. It's impossible, especially when trying to set other moods, like the low and high angles described below.
The rule of thirds also applies to objects. You'll commonly see three distinct sections in a frame. It may be (horizontally) a horizon, a sea and beach, or it could be (vertically) a building on the left, a gangway in the middle and a person walking on the right. Filmmakers commonly like to set up their shots in thirds, either horizontally or vertically, where there is something distinct in each section. Compositionally, it simply looks more pleasing to the eye. Of course, there are few, if any, "rules of composition" that withstand an ultimate test of time since story context and the audience's expectations are always changing.