Camera Work Explained

Camera Work

Extreme Close UpAn extreme close (ECU) is a shot which is used to show a specific object or body part which relates to the storyline. It is usually a facial feature, such as an eye or mouth, to help represent an emotion or an effect. It can also be of an object which relates to the storyline, for example, an extremely close up on a button which causes an explosion when pressed.

Close UpA close up is used to show a facial expression which conveys an emotion, such as happiness, anger or sorrow. It is also used to show when dialog is being spoken and who is speaking. This shot is also used to give prominence to a character (usually the protagonist) when they have something important to say; this shows dominance.

Mid ShotA mid shot is used to show emotion and gestures made by characters which help to explain the narrative. It can also be used to show characters costumes (m-e-s) to the audience. A mid shot allows the audience to see relationships of characters and their interactions.

Long ShotA long shot is used to show action; there is room for characters to move around within the shot. It is also used to show relationship between characters. For example, 2 characters may be having a fight. Furthermore, it gives us an insight into the location of the scene, for example in a school class room, field or city.

Panoramic (Extreme Long Shot)

A panoramic shot, also referred to as an establishing shot or a master shot is big wide view shot. It is often used to introduce a new location/environment to the audience; they are able to see the whole area.

Two

A two person shot is used when there is 2 people in the shot. If there is 3 people in the shot, it would be referred to as a 3 shot and so on. This is used to show relationship between characters which helps to explain the narrative.

P.O.V (Point of View)P.O.V shots are used to show the view from a character. In a P.O.V shot we are looking through the eyes of a character. This allows the audience to see what they can see which helps the audience relate and empathise towards the character.

Over the Shoulder

An over the shoulder shot is similar to a P.O.V shot. It incorporates audience into the text, shows conversation and helps shows relationships between characters.

High AngleA high angle shot shows a birds eye view of a scene or simply a camera angle which is higher than the object/subject it is focused on. It can be used to make a character appear smaller and more vulnerable as well as making it seem like they have a lower status than other characters.

Low Angle

Low angle can make the character look powerful and can be used to show that they are important to the media text. The characters are made to look superior to other characters in the media text usually the protagonist is the character that has the most low angle shots used on them as the are usually the one that fixes the dilemma in the narrative of the media text.

Panning

In this shot the camera revolves horizontally on axis. This shot shows movement and makes the audience feel like they are an onlooker rather than being involved in the action.

Tracking Shot (Dolly Shot)A tracking shot, also known as a dolly shot, is when the camera is placed on a dolly track and can able moved along the track to film scenery as well as follow action.

Tilt ShotA tilt shot is where the camera stays in one place is tilted up and down horizontally to follow action. An example of a tilt shot would be tilting the camera upwards to follow the action of somebody climbing a ladder.

CraneshotA crane shot is where the camera is held up on a crane to give the audience a bird’s eye view of a location or action which is taking place.

Canted AngleA canted angle is used to show that the world is not right, for example there has been a disaster. It can also be used as a P.O.V to show when someone has fallen over or to show the P.O.V of someone who is drunk. It is commonly used in horror and thriller films.