Camera Shots & Angles

Establishing shot
Establishes the setting of a scene. Usually a wide or long shot, but can be a shot of
anything that illustrates where the action is taking place (e.g. a close up of a street
sign). It is usually the first shot of a scene.

Wide shot
Often used to show where the subject is located, a wide shot shows a large variety of
information.

Long shot
A long shot is framed to show the whole of a character or subject. It is used to show
information such as a characters costume or to bring focus to the mise-en-scene.

Mid/medium shot

A mid shot shows part of a subject as well as some of the setting. A mid shot of a
character, for example, will usually be framed to show the character's head and torso.

Close-up shot
A shot that shows a particular part of a subject. A close up of a character may be their
face or a hand. This shot brings attention to details you may not notice in a mid or long
shot.

Extreme close-up shot

A shot to show extreme detail of a subject or character. Can be used to disorientate the
viewer.

Point of view
Shows a view from a characters perspective. It shows what a character is looking at.

Over-the-shoulder shot
A shot filmed as if it is from the back of a character's shoulder. The closest character
usually takes up around a third of the frame.

Two shot
Shows two characters conversing or interacting. Used to show the relationship between
the characters.

Aerial shot
A camera shot taken from an overhead position. Often used as an establishing shot.
Shows a subjects location.

Overhead shot
A type of shot where the camera would be placed above the subject.

Low angle
A shot taken from below, looking upwards at a subject. Can be used to make a
character bigger or more powerful.

High angle
A shot taken from above, looking down towards the subject. Can be used to make a
character appear vulnerable or weak.

Canted angle
A tilted or skewed angle that can be used to disorientate the audience.