Shot types, Composition, Framing and Angles

Media Glossary

Camera Shots

Extreme wide shot- Is often used as an establishing shot and there is not a particular subject that can be seen. It shows the surroundings for a scene.
 

Wide shot- A subject takes up almost the whole height of the frame. It is used to show all that the subject is doing, perhaps in a fight to see all the action.   

Mid shot- This is a shot from the waist up, which can give an overall impression of a subject but also shows their expression clearly enough.

Close up- A certain part of the subject (usually the face) takes up the whole frame, often so that the audience can see expressions.

Extreme close up- This shows extreme detail in a feature of the subject, it is rarely used but when it is, it's often very dramatic.

Cutaway- This is a shot that is not of the subject, often showing something happening at the same time. It can help the editor to create a longer sequence, and keeps the viewer interested. 

Two shot- This is similar to a mid shot, but shows two people in the frame. It can juxtapose and compare two characters.

Over-the-shoulder shot- This looks at the subject from over the shoulder of someone else, often used in scenes with a conversation taking place.

Point of view shot- This shows the perspective of the subject, what they can see. It helps the viewer to empathise with the protagonist.

Composition- This is how different parts of a picture or shot are arranged

Rule of thirds- The shot is divided into thirds horizontally and vertically, and a point of interest is placed between two lines.

The Golden Mean- This is usually a diagonal line going from a top to a bottom corner. The focus points are then clear to the viewer.

Framing- This is the arrangement of subjects and objects in a shot, where they fit well and their size and position.

 

Angles

Bird’s eye view- This shows a scene from directly overhead, giving an overall impression of the setting.

High angle- The camera is lifted up above a subject, but not as extreme as the bird’s eye view. It can give the idea that a subject is inferior or defenceless.

Eye level- The camera is positioned on a level that makes it seem like another human is watching what is happening.

Low angle- The camera is placed below the subject, looking up, and can give an idea of superiority and power.