Camera shots , angles and movements

 Extreme Long Shot

This is used as a distance shot. It is often used as an establishing shot that sets the scene for example the start of psycho. It is usually an exterior shot.



Long Shot 

This shot used to present an image approximately 'life size' to the audience. A typical example is a full shot from top to bottom of a human that still shows a very detailed amount of background.



Medium Shot 

A medium shot shows a figure from waist up , usually used for dialogue scenes , or to show a detailed action. Sometimes they are used to show a detailed background while still showing an individuals action in detail. For example this scene in batman.




Close Up

This shows very little background and it usually focuses on a face or another object in the mise en scene. The background sometimes is blurred out showing the importance of the thing. It can be words on a paper to someone's facial expression.

 

Extreme Close Up

It is an extreme version of a close up it shows no background at all , and is usually used for dramatic effect

CAMERA ANGLES 

Birds Eye View 

This is taken from directly above , as if from the sky. It portrays or puts the audience in a god like position. For example in the birds it is used to give the sense that a god like a figure is watching chaos mercilessly. 

High Angles

The camera angle is elevated , to make the object or person seem smaller , insignificant or vulnerable. For example in the film psycho a high angle shot is used on the inspector a few moments before he is murdered to show the audience he is venerable and in danger and to build up suspense. 

  

Low Angle Shot

This angle increases the height of an actor which is useful for actors like Tom Cruise who are naturally short. It also it makes an object or person seem more powerful to the audience as they look up to the person. 

CAMERA MOVEMENTS 

Pan

A pan is a horizontal movement of a camera used to scan a scene , this is used shown from the characters point of view.

                                                                                                                         

Tilt 
A tilt is when the camera moved vertically to scan an object or area.
















Tracking Shot 

This is when the camera moves along with the action. It could even be a figure or object moving. Tracking shots were used very effectively in the movie 'The shinning'

Crane Shot

A crane machine is used to move the camera diagonally upwards almost as if it were floating away. We see this right at the end of the clip.