Thursday 10 September 2015

Camera Shots and Angles

Camera Shots and Angles



Camera shots and angles can be used to create different meanings. Each of them has a different effect on the viewer, and each angle chosen is chosen for a reason.

EXTREME LONG SHOT - Generally used to show the setting that the character is in. It shows where they are in their world, and can be used to make a character seem vulnerable or small. It can create a sense of impossibility or journey. Makes the viewer feel far away.

LONG SHOT - Shows the environment, like the extreme long shot, but also reveals more information about the character, such as their clothing, their body language, and their relationships to others. Makes the viewer feel far away.

MID TO LONG SHOT - Still shows the surroundings, but less so. Shows the relationships between characters and their body language, plus provides greater detail about the character.

MID SHOT - More information about the character is given, although less is shown about the surroundings. Shows relationships between different characters well, as more of their body language can be seen.

MID CLOSE-UP - Shows some facial expression, although it loses some information about relationships between people.

CLOSE-UP - Shows facial expression in much greater detail, allowing the viewer to understand how the character is feeling somewhat. Only limited background information is available. Makes the viewer feel close to the character.

BIG CLOSE-UP - Shows expressions in lots of detail, although it loses almost all of the background information. Makes the viewer feel close to the character.

EXTREME CLOSE-UP - Shows only one detail, concentrating solely on one thing. This can be used to show importance of an object, or to show detail. On people, it focuses on only one specific thing. It creates an intense intimacy, which can be disorientating or uncomfortable for the viewer.

LOW-ANGLE - Makes the subject seem large and intimidating. It can also show the perspective of a character who is lower down.

EYE LEVEL - The viewer is equal with the subject, and sees them on the same level.

HIGH-ANGLE - Makes the subject seem small and vulnerable. It can also show the perspective of a character who is higher up.

WORM'S EYE - Makes things look big and intimidating, and can create a sense of helplessness for the viewer. Can also be used to show an object's perspective.

CANTED - Creates a range of emotions depending on the use, but generally shows that something is wrong. Makes the viewer feel uneasy.

BIRD'S EYE - The subjects seem small and insignificant, like ants. The viewer feels unable to stop or change the events.

ESTABLISHING SHOT - A long shot or extreme long shot that shows, or establishes, a place, character, or object. generally used at the beginning of a scene or a film.

POINT OF VIEW (POV) - The camera becomes an object or character, and the world is viewed from the perspective of that subject.

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