One of the first things students are taught in film school is the nomenclature of the basic types of camera shots. This common language is essential for writers, directors, camera operators, and cinematographers to effectively communicate visual elements of a shot, particularly the size of a subject¡ªoften a person¡ªwithin the frame. Provided here is a list of the essential shot types that you need to know, along with a brief description. For the purpose of this article, it will focus mostly on subject size and camera angle and ignore camera movements, such as tracking shots, dolly in, etc.
Shots indicating subject size
There are many ways in which you can frame your subject, from seeing their entire body to only their eyes. Generally speaking, we can break this down into three main shot sizes: Long, Medium, and Close. Long shots (also commonly called Wide shots) show the subject from a distance, emphasizing place and location, while Close shots reveal details of the subject and highlight emotions of a character. Medium shots fall somewhere in between, putting emphasis on the subject while still showing some of the surrounding environment.
It¡¯s important to note that the following shot types only relate to subject size within the frame, and don¡¯t directly indicate what type of lens is used to capture the scene. The choice of lens¡ªand, thus, the distance of the camera from the subject¡ªremains an artistic decision for the Director and/or Director of Photography. With that in mind, on to the list!
Extreme Long Shot (aka Extreme Wide Shot) ?Used to show the subject from a distance, or the area in which the scene is taking place. This type of shot is particularly useful for establishing a scene (see Establishing Shot later in the article) in terms of time and place, as well as a character¡¯s physical or emotional relationship to the environment and elements within it. The character doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be viewable in this shot.
Long Shot (aka Wide Shot) ?Shows the subject from top to bottom; for a person, this would be head to toes, though not necessarily filling the frame. The character becomes more of a focus than an Extreme Long Shot, but the shot tends to still be dominated by the scenery. This shot often sets the scene and our character¡¯s place in it. This can also serve as an Establishing Shot, in lieu of an Extreme Long Shot.
Full Shot? Frames character from head to toes, with the subject roughly filling the frame. The emphasis tends to be more on action and movement rather than a character¡¯s emotional state.
Medium Long Shot (aka 3/4 Shot)? Intermediate between Full Shot and Medium Shot. Shows subject from the knees up.
Cowboy Shot (aka American Shot) ?A variation of a Medium Shot, this gets its name from Western films from the 1930s and 1940s, which would frame the subject from mid-thighs up to fit the character¡¯s gun holsters into the shot.
Medium Shot ?Shows part of the subject in more detail. For a person, a medium shot typically frames them from about waist up. This is one of the most common shots seen in films, as it focuses on a character (or characters) in a scene while still showing some environment.
Medium Close-Up ?Falls between a Medium Shot and a Close-Up, generally framing the subject from chest or shoulder up.
Close-Up Fills the screen with part of the subject, such as a person¡¯s head/face. Framed this tightly, the emotions and reaction of a character dominate the scene.
Choker ?A variant of a Close-Up, this shot frames the subject¡¯s face from above the eyebrows to below the mouth
Extreme Close Up ?Emphasizes a small area or detail of the subject, such as the eye(s) or mouth. An Extreme Close Up of just the eyes is sometimes called an Italian Shot, getting its name from Sergio Leone¡¯s Italian-Western films that popularized it.
Shots indicating camera angle/placement
In addition to subject size within a frame, shot types can also indicate where a camera is placed in relation to the subject. Here are some commonly used terms:
Eye Level ?Shot taken with the camera approximately at human eye level, resulting in a neutral effect on the audience.
High Angle ?Subject is photographed from above eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject seem vulnerable, weak, or frightened.
Low Angle ?Subject is photographed from below eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject look powerful, heroic, or dangerous.
Dutch Angle/Tilt ?Shot in which the camera is set at an angle on its roll axis so that the horizon line is not level. It is often used to show a disoriented or uneasy psychological state.
Over-the-Shoulder Shot ?A popular shot where a subject is shot from behind the shoulder of another, framing the subject anywhere from a Medium to Close-Up. The shoulder, neck, and/or back of the head of the subject facing away from the camera remains viewable, making the shot useful for showing reactions during conversations. It tends to place more of an emphasis on the connection between two speakers rather than the detachment or isolation that results from single shots.
Bird¡¯s-Eye View (aka Top Shot) ?A high-angle shot that¡¯s taken from directly overhead and from a distance. The shot gives the audience a wider view and is useful for showing direction and that the subject is moving, to highlight special relations, or reveal to the audience elements outside the boundaries of the character¡¯s awareness. The shot is often taken from on a crane or helicopter.
Other common shot types
Cut-In ?Similar to a Cutaway, but shows a Close-Up shot of something visible in the main scene.
Cutaway ?A shot of something other than the subject and away from the main scene. It is usually followed by a cut back to the first shot and is useful for avoiding a jump cut when editing down a section of dialogue, or editing together two separate takes.
Establishing Shot? Usually the first shot of a scene, this is used to establish the location and environment. It can also be used to establish mood and give the audience visual clues regarding the time (night/day, year) and the general situation. Because they need to provide a great deal of information, Establishing Shots are usually Extreme Long Shots or Long Shots.
Master Shot? Term given to a single, uninterrupted shot of a scene. This shot can be the only shot used by a director to cover a scene, or edited together with additional shots. While it¡¯s commonly a Long or Full Shot, a Master Shot can be a closer shot, or consist of multiple shot types if the camera is moving throughout the scene.
Point of View Shot (POV) ?Shot intended to mimic what a particular character in a scene is seeing. This puts the audience directly into the head of the character, letting them experience their emotional state. Common examples are of a character waking up, drifting into unconsciousness, or looking through a scope or binoculars.
Reaction Shot? Shows a character¡¯s reaction to the shot that has preceded it.
Reverse Angle Shot? A shot taken from an angle roughly 180 degrees opposite of the previous shot. The term is commonly used during conversation, indicating a reverse Over-the-Shoulder Shot, for example.
Two Shot ?A shot in which two subjects appear in the frame.
