Camera Angles
Camera angles are the way a shot is composed. Below i have included a short paragraph of each camera shot types, in addition to this i have included an example for each of the shots :
- MEDIUM SHOT: The first camera shot type is a medium shot. A medium shot is a camera shot from a medium distance, this is usually from the waist and above. Medium shots are used to make the object the audiences attention. In addition to this is also provides information on the object/ characters surroundings.
- CLOSE UP SHOT: Below is an example of a close-up shot. A close up shot is a shot taken of an item or person in close range. This is done to provide more detail for the audience. A close up shot usually takes up most of the image as its usually a characters face allowing the audience to clearly convey the emotion being shown. It can also be used to define a particular part of a characters face for example eyes, nose, lips and facial shape.
- EXTREME CLOSE UP SHOT: Above is an example of my dog in an extreme close up shot. These shots allow the viewer to connect emotionally with the character, it also focuses on details of the person/ animal. For example the eyes, mouth and nose.
- LOW ANGLE SHOT: These shots are taken from below with the sense of looking up at another character or object. This is usually done to make a certain character look strong or powerful. They are commonly used in horror movies/series to create a suspenseful atmosphere for the audience. However in addition to this they can also be used to capture different perspectives during a scene.
- MEDIUM LONG SHOT: The next camera shot type is a medium long shot. A medium shot is the mid way point between a normal medium shot and a full shot. This camera shot type is taken from the knees and above. Medium long shots are typically used for group shots, this is because the shot provides enough space for several characters. This allows the audience to have a better understanding of the character and their surroundings.
- DUTCH ANGLE SHOT: Above is an example of a Dutch angle. it is a German angle where the word Dutch came from. The technique is an angled camera shot where the horizon line isn't parallel with the bottom of the frame.
- LONG SHOT (WIDE SHOT): A long shot will in include the full subject, either person or object. Long shots also known as wide shots, show the relationship between the characters and their surrounding/ environment.
- HIGH ANGLE SHOT: A high angle shot is from up high, hence the name of the shot. By using the hight it informs the audience that the subject feels vulnerable or has a lower status than someone else around them. In addition to this it also foreshadows danger and tension.
- FULL SHOT: This camera shot is called a full shot. The word 'full' tells us that the characters full body is in the frame, from head to toe. By using a full shot it allows the audience to see the characters emotions and their body language and any actions they may use. Full shots also allow the audience to get a better understanding of the setting and context of the character.
- MEDIUM CLOSE UP: This is an example of a medium close up. These shots are taken off a character from the chest upwards. The idea of a medium close up shot is that they capture the characters emotions and facial expressions while also capturing some of the background. This helps provide the audience with more information in a scene.
- ESTABLISHING SHOT: These shots are used to set up context of a scene or another type of media to show the audience where the action takes place. This lets the audience know the setting for the scene there watching. This also includes place and sometimes time, this is usually the time of the day but can also be time in history.