2. Describing Shots
When describing camera angles, or creating
them yourself for still image photography
there are two main factors which you must
consider:
• The angle of the shot
• The framing, or length of the shot
3. Camera Angles
Camera angles are a reference to the way shots are
composed. Although interpreted differently by
different people, in its literal sense, camera angle is
defined as the angle in which the camera is facing, in
relation to the subject. Camera angles can give the
audience emotional information, due to the fact that
camera angle is essentially the relationship between
the camera and the subject.
4. Different Camera Angles
• Eye-Level: This is the most common type of shot used, as it is the ‘real world
angle’ that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to seem
them in real life, and is a rather neutral shot.
• High Angle: A high angle shot shows the subject from above; the camera is
angled downwards, towards the subject. This angle has the effect of making the
subject appear less powerful, or even submissive.
• Low Angle: This shot is taken from below the subject; the camera is angled up
at the subject. It can give the subject a sense of power and dominance.
• Bird’s Eye: This shot shows the subject from directly above it/them. This view is
unnatural and very different, so it can be used to create a dramatic effect, or for
showing a different spatial perspective. It can also give the audience a ‘God-like’
feel, which can make things included in the shot seem small and insignificant.
• Slanted/Dutch Tilt: This is where the camera is purposefully tilted to one side, so
that the horizon is on an angle. This can create both an interesting and dramatic
effect.
5. Framing / Shot Length
Extreme Long Shot
An extreme long shot can be taken from up to a
quarter of a mile away from what you are
photographing, and is generally to establish a setting
(often called an ‘establishing shot’ when capturing
moving image). Its distance means that very little detail
is shown, and thus this type of shot is used to give a
general impression, rather than specific information.
This type of shot will normally include exteriors, such
as landscapes to portray
beauty, or big exciting scenes,
like fight scenes.
6. Framing / Shot Length
Long Shot
The long shot is perhaps the most difficult type of shot to
categorise, but it is generally defined as a ‘life size’ shot,
which includes a full shot - full shots show an entire human
body, from their head to their feet. However, long shots
are not limited to full shots. An example of this is included
below.
7. Framing / Shot Length
Medium Shot
A medium shot often involves the subject being a person, and the
shot only includes parts of their body that are above their waist.
There can be more than one person in a medium shot, but if there
are any more than three people, it tends to turn into a long shot.
Shots with more than one person are classified as variations of a
medium shot. A medium shot including two people is referred to as
a two shot, and one including three is referred to as a three shot.
Another variation is the over-the-shoulder-shot which positions the
camera behind a person, often so a second person’s profile can be
seen. This is useful for representing dialogue. There is little
background detail required in a medium shot, but there should be
enough so that the audience can distinguish
where the people in the shot are, if it is
necessary for them to be able to do so.
8. Framing / Shot Length
Close Up
A close up shows very little background and often focuses
on a face, or specific detail of mise en scène. Everything else
is very off-focus in the background. This type of shot is
often used to magnify something, or show its importance. It
can be used for anything, from letters on paper to animal
faces. In reality, we only let those who are special to us that
close to our face, so a close up is a very intimate shot. A
photographer may use a close up to make us feel more or
less comfortable with someone, with the intimacy created
by the shot.
A zoom lens is often used in order to
get the required framing of the shot.
9. Framing / Shot Length
Extreme Close Up
As its name suggests, this type of shot is an extreme version
of the close up, generally aiming to magnify something to an
extent that the human eye wouldn’t be able experience it in
reality. For example, an extreme close up of a face would only
show mouth and eyes, with no background detail whatsoever.
It is a very artificial shot, so it can be used to create diversity
and a dramatic effect.
The focus must be very sharp with this shot, so it is
important that the shot is set up properly, with the
correct lighting and angle, and that the photograph is
taken with extreme care.
