Shot Types

and
Editing Techniques
 Close Up Shot
Close up shots are often used to see a person’s emotions or something in
more detail. The mobile phone is an iconic sign to show the girl but be
receiving bad news as we can tell from her facial expression. The darkness
in the room could also signify her unhappiness.
 Long Shot
A long shot is often used to show the entire surroundings and
human figure. This shot denotes two people having a meal and
it’s surroundings is rather disco-like. This connotes that the two
people are having a romantic dinner because the setting looks
fancy and they are alone. The long shot used helps us understand
the scene better.
 Two Shot

A two shot is when two people are present at a scene. They are
both standing near each other by side and having no eye contact
which could connote they might have heard bad news. This is
also denoted from their emotions that they are not looking happy.
 Over the Shoulder Shot
An over the shoulder shot is a shot of someone from over the shoulder of
another person. It is often used to show the person who is speaking and
denote their emotions. The flower the girl is holding is an indexical sign
which signifies happiness which is expressed on her face. She is looking
at the boy which could connote they could be talking about something
exciting.
 Establishing Shot
An establishing shot shows the setting of where a scene might
take place. We can see graffiti on the wall which connotes the
place might not be a safe area because teenagers are causing
crimes. The graffiti is an indexical sign as it prepares us for
something quite dangerous to happen.
 Match on Action Shot

A match on action shot can also be known as ‘continuity editing’. It is when

there’s a cut from one shot of an action to another shot of action, mainly
opposite sides. It is uses so that cuts appear smooth and continuous. We can see
from both sides that the woman is walking on the bus. The cut appears to be
‘invisible’ which is something that the audience don’t tend to notice.
 180 Degree Rule

The 180 degree rule is when two

people are having a conversation
and the camera must always be on
one side to take shots of the
person speaking. From the shots,
we can see mainly the person who
is speaking and a part of the other
person so we can denote their
facial expressions. The boy’s
facial expression connotes that he
is surprised and must have heard
shocking news from the girl. The
180 degree rule makes it more
realistic that they are looking and
talking to each other.
 Rule of Thirds
Rule of thirds is when people are having a
conversation, their eyes must be levelled on
the top third of the shot. Even though these
shots denote they don’t have much eye
contact, the rule of third helps us understand
that they must be having a conversation. Rule
of thirds is a good technique to use to signify
two people are having a rather awkward
conversation.
 Shot - Reverse - Shot

Shot-Reverse-Shot is often used when two

people are having a conversation and the shots
change so we can see the person who is talking
and their emotions. It is mainly from opposite
sides. These shots denote that they are having a
general conversation and the graffiti is an
iconic sign which connotes they are in a rough
area where teenagers are able to cause crime.
 Angle Shot
Depending on whether it’s a low angle shot or high angle shot, angle
shots are used to show something or someone is stronger or weaker.
In this case, the camera is looking down on the people which
connotes they are virtually powerless. It could also denote that the
people are being ‘swallowed’ by the setting of the café because it
looks like any ordinary café.