Camera shot types

The following pictures have been done in a programme called Source Filmmaker, where I set up the scenes. I also did not create the characters or the scenery, I just set up the cameras and the characters

ECU (Extreme close up)

Extreme close-ups represent emotion, the fact that the camera is so close up is meant to show all the details of the object or persons face and the emotions. This gives a dramatic effect.

LS (Long shot)

Long shots are used for setting a scene. This is also used for getting a good shot of the surroundings in the scene to better understand the scenario and location.

Worms eye

A camera view from the ground looking up used to give the illusion that the object in front looks bigger. It can be used to make something look intimidating. Normally the camera has a slightly higher FOV (Field of view) to emphasise it.

Establishing shot

This shot type acts as an introduction to the scenery. Depending on the environment, this can also help show the mood and tone of the scene.

Pull focus start

Pull Focus Start is where there are two objects or characters in a scene and the one more distant to the one near the camera is blurred. This is to show the importance of the main subject of the scene. It is also used to draw the attention of the viewer to the specific location.

Pull focus end

Pull Focus End is pretty much the same thing but in reverse. Instead, the character or object closes to the camera is blurred for the same reasons as before.

Dutch angle

A Dutch angle is used in horror movies most of the time and involves tilting the camera to a certain degree. It’s used to give an unsettling feeling to the viewer to make them feel on edge or disturbed.

MS (Medium shot)

A Medium shot is where most of the character is in the shot, preferably the top half of the character. In combination with getting a good shot of the character with the background, this can convey emotion.

Birdseye

A shot from above the scene which captures the entire landscape. It is used to capture the scenery and size of the location for a dramatic effect.

Pan start and Pan End

Camera moving from left…

To right

Where the camera moves from one position to another to capture the scene. This can include characters but doesn’t every time.

CU (Close up)

This shot type is used to convey emotion and it helps to put more emphasis on said emotion with the shot type. The more close-up, the more detail goes into the emotion.