Camera Angles

High Angle shot

High Angle shots are typically used to show power and superiority by looking down onto someone. They can also be used to show fear

by making the character appear small and weak.In the image of Daniel Radcliffe as harry potter the angle is used to show he is weak and vulnerable and defenceless about whatever is

standing above him.

A shot whereby the camera is positioned at an angle above the object

Low angle shot

This is used to show that something is superior or stronger than something else. Something the other characters in the story would fear.On the image from Charlie in chocolate factory the angle is used to show that Charlie is gaining power and control as he Is given the factory from Willy Wonka.

A shot whereby the camera is positioned at an angle below the object

Establish Shot

Sets the scene so the audience are aware of where the events are taking place and are more familiar with the setting.In the devil wears Prada opening title the shot is used to show the setting of New York city so that the audience is confused about where the film is set.

A wide shot of a location that establishes a sense of environment and surrounding.

Extreme long shot

To show the audience more of the situation and what's happening around the main subject of the shot.In the shot from lord of the rings it is used to show the setting of the film and where the action will be taking place.

A wide shot that places a person or object a long distance away from the camera.

Long Shot

A long shot shows more of the situation and helps the audience to establish what's happening around the main character and what could be affecting them.In the image from the stripped pyjamas the shot shows a clearer point of view of what the children are doing so the audience understands the scene better than if it was filmed with a close up.

A shot in which a person can be seen from head to toe.

Medium Long Shot

A medium long shot opens up the scene to a bit more information than a medium close up would. It normally means that the characters entire body can be seen.

In the image from the batman the shot is used to show the jokers isolation as he stand alone with a crowd of people behind him.

A shot in which a person can be seen from head to knee

Medium Shot

Puts more focus on a particular character as it shows them head to waist.In the image from the hunger games shows Katnis’ strength and focus as the camera pulls in tight to show how strong she holds her bow.

A shot in which a person is seen from the head to the waist

Medium Close up Shot

A shot in which a person can be seen from head to shoulders/upper body

Typically used to add emphasis to the scene and create a tighter focus. The medium close-up is half way between a Mid Shot and a Close-Up. This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.For example, the scene with the guard shows both the expression and body language of an angry man. Showing his anger through the upper body.

Close-up Shot

A shot in which a persons head is captured

In the close-up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face. These can be used in cut-ins. A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.The image of Zac Efron from high school musical shows the determination and the tiredness he is experiencing as it shows his facial expression close- up and in detail.

Extreme Close-up Shot

A shot which captures a specific feature or reaction on a person’s face

Typically used to get right in and show extreme detail. You would normally need a specific reason to get this close. It is too close to show general reactions or emotion except in very dramatic scenes.The image of magneto (Eric) shows just they eyes. This is effective because it shows the emotion only through his eyes making the pain more believable and powerful as he seems very angry.

Point-of-view Shot

A shot captured from a person’s point of view

Typically used to show the expressions and events that the character supposedly sees. This shot shows a view from the subject's perspective. It is usually edited in such a way that it is obvious whose point of view it is. The image of the man with the gun shows the ‘victims’ view and what he is supposedly seeing. The nose of the gun is in the centre showing the angry face above it. Making the viewer feel victimised too.

Two Shot

Any shot with two people in

Typically used to show the focus on the conversation/action because there are only two people in the shot. Two-shots are good for establishing a relationship between subjects. A two-shot could also involve movement or action. It is a good way to follow the interaction between two people without getting distracted by their surroundings.For example, the image of Iron Man and Captain America show the close interaction between them and the anger as they are both looking at the same object but it is out of shot. The teamwork is shown through their body language and positioning.

Over-the-shoulder shot

A shot in which we see a character over another character’s shoulder.

Typically used to show the reaction/response to a comment from a persons point of view. This shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame. It's common to cut between these shots during a conversation, alternating the view between the different speakers.The image of Harry Potter talking to Voldemort shows the angry reaction that Harry is experiencing and the eye contact shows that he is looking directly at Voldemort.