Katelyn Oberg

1. Wide Shot (WS) / Establishing Shot:

• Comparison: A wide shot captures a large portion of the setting, often used to
establish the location and context.
• Contrast: It differs from other shots by including more of the environment, which
can help provide context but may reduce the focus on specific details.
2. Medium Shot (MS):
• Comparison: A medium shot frames the subject from the waist up, making it
ideal for conversations and showcasing body language.
• Contrast: It offers a balance between the subject and the surroundings, which
differs from extreme close-ups and wide shots.
3. Close-Up (CU):
• Comparison: A close-up shot emphasizes a specific part of the subject, often the
face or a particular detail.
• Contrast: It isolates the subject from the background and is used to convey
emotions, reactions, or important details.
4. Extreme Close-Up (ECU):
• Comparison: An extreme close-up zooms in even further, typically showing only a
small portion of the subject (e.g., an eye, a mouth).
• Contrast: It magnifies details to an extreme degree and can be used for intense
emotions, suspense, or to draw attention to a specific element.
5. Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS):
• Comparison: The OTS shot is taken from behind one character, showing their
point of view and often including the back of another character's shoulder.
• Contrast: It is a practical way to establish a character's perspective or
relationship in a conversation, offering both subject and context.
6. Two-Shot:
• Comparison: A two-shot features two characters in the same frame, typically
framed from the waist up.
• Contrast: It's used to emphasize the relationship or interaction between the two
characters, often during a conversation or a significant moment.
7. Cutaway Shot:
• Comparison: A cutaway shot breaks away from the main action to show a
different subject or detail, then returns to the primary scene.
• Contrast: It is a versatile shot that can provide context, emphasize details, or
create suspense by momentarily diverting from the main narrative.
8. Tracking Shot / Dolly Shot:
• Comparison: These shots involve moving the camera, either horizontally or
vertically, while keeping the subject in focus.
• Contrast: Tracking shots follow a subject's movement, while dolly shots involve
moving the camera itself to create a smooth, dynamic effect.
9. Pan and Tilt:
• Comparison: Pan involves rotating the camera horizontally, while tilt involves
moving the camera up and down.
Katelyn Oberg

• Contrast: They are typically stationary shots that can be used to scan a scene,
reveal new information, or follow a subject's movement.
10. Aerial Shot / Drone Shot:
• Comparison: Aerial shots are captured from an elevated position using cranes,
helicopters, or drones, providing a bird's-eye view.
• Contrast: Drones have become a popular choice for capturing dynamic aerial
shots economically and with more flexibility, offering unique perspectives.