Camera shots, movements

In these lessons we've learnt about the different camera angles, movement and shots.

Close Up- A shot showing the character from the neck up. This shot is often used to show facial expressions.

Medium Shot- A shot showing the character from the waist up. It allows other characters to be in view and        allows character interaction. It is often used for more sociable shots.

Long Shot- A shot showing a character or setting from a distance.

High angle shot- A shot taken from above looking down. This makes the audience feel powerful and superior and the actors seem small and vulnerable.

Low angle shot- A shot taken from below. It is as if the audience are being looked down on. It may make us feel small and vulnerable and actors seem powerful.

Panning- When the camera moves from left to right about a central axis [fixed point]

Tracking- The camera is on a track and follows the action. This is often used in character interaction when walking.

Zoom- The camera moves into a close-up, often used to focus attention on a relevant detail or emphasises a characters reaction.

Tilt- A tilt is a vertical camera movement, in which the camera points up or down from a stationary position. For example in 'Greece' when Sandy appears in the leather outfit towards the end of the movie.

Arc- An arc movement is moving the camera around the subject to keep it in the shot/frame.

Crane- A camera is used on a crane to create a birds eye view and the camera moves vertically.

Dolly- A dolling is a cart that moves along tracks. The camera records the shot as it moves.

Steadicam- This is a stabilizing mount for the camera.

Zoom/Reverse Zoom- This movement opens in an out in one shit. For example; the zoom in focuses on the facial expression, then zooms out the show the surroundings.

Handheld- Gives an effect of real life documentary, like a point of view shot.