Angles in Film)

• BY S TUDIO BINDER O CTO BER 4, 2019

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It’s easy to mix up the different types of camera shots and types of angles.
To make a shot list, a filmmaker or video creative must know the classic
types of shots based on attributes like shot size, shot framing, camera
movement, camera mechanisms, and depth of field.

We’ll break down all the camera shots and angles you need to know for
your next film. We also include camera shot examples from famous
movies to help solidify the discussed concepts.

Step-by-step guide to making a shot list

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1. Camera Shot Size

2. Camera Framing
3. Camera Shot Focus
4. Camera Angles
5. Camera Movement
6. Shot Mechanisms

CAMERA SHOTS
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS

CAMERA SHOT DEFINITION

What is a camera shot?

A camera shot is composed of the series of frames that are shot

uninterrupted from the moment the camera starts rolling untill it stops.
Camera shots are an essential aspect of filmmaking and video productions,
because by combining different types of shots, angles and camera
movements, the filmmakers are able to emphasize specific
emotions, ideas and movement for each scene.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS — THE SHOT SIZE

Camera Shot Size Overview

Below you'll find a shot size cheatsheet to see exactly how each shot size
will look on screen, and how to differentiate the various shot sizes:
 Types of camera shots by size

At the bottom of this section we provide a link to a PDF shot list that has
examples of each shot sized used in popular films and television shows.

Okay, onto shot sizes!

Types of Camera Shot Sizes

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOTS

1. Extreme Wide Shot (ELS)

2. Long Shot (LS) / Wide Shot (WS)

3. Full Shot (FS)

4. Medium Long Shot (MLS) / Medium Wide Shot (MWS)

5. Cowboy Shot

6. Medium Shot (MS)

7. Medium Close Up (MCU)

8. Close Up (CU)

9. Extreme Close Up (ECU)

TYPES OF SHOTS BY SIZE

Extreme Long Shot (ELS) or Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)

An extreme long shot (or extreme wide shot) make your subject appear
small against their location. You can use an extreme long shot to make
your subject feel distant or unfamiliar.

Take a look at this extreme wide shot from Mad Max: Fury Road:

(EWS) Extreme Wide Shot Example in Mad Max: Fury Road

It can also make your subject feel overwhelmed by its location. Of all the
various camera shots out there, consider using the extreme long shot when
you need to emphasize the location or isolation.

TYPES OF SHOT SIZES

Long Shot (LS) or Wide Shot (WS)
The long shot (also known as a wide shot abbreviated “WS”) is the same
idea, but a bit closer. If your subject is a person then his or her whole body
will be in view -- but not filling the shot.

(WS) Wide Shot Example in The Martian

In other words, there should be a good deal of space above and below your
subject. Use a long shot (or wide shot) to keep your subject in plain view
amidst grander surroundings.

The wide shot also lets us see the beautiful background imagery, as well as
the onlookers which will make any big moment more cinematic.

Of the many camera shots, a long shot gives us a better idea of the scene
setting, and gives us a better idea of how the character fits into the area.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS

Full Shot (FS)

Now let's talk about camera shots that let your subject fill the frame while
keeping emphasis on scenery. Like in this full shot from Thor:
 (FS) Full Shot Example in Django Unchained

This full shot from Django Unchained is also a tracking shot — meaning
there is camera movement featured throughout the shot. In this particular
case, the camera slowly moves (or tracks) towards Django. So,
technically, this shot begins in a wide shot, moves to full shot (seen
above), and eventually ends in a cowboy shot.

Of all the different types of camera shots in film, full shots can be used to
feature multiple characters in a single shot, like this full shot size example
from Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy:

(FS) Full Shot Example in Guardians of the Galaxy

 RELATED POSTS
• Wide Shots Guide →

• Establishing Shots Guide →

• How to Make a Shot List →

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOT SIZES

Medium Wide Shot (MWS)

A medium long shot (aka medium long shot) frames the subject from
roughly the knees up. It splits the difference between a full shot and a
medium shot. Here's an example of the medium wide shot size:

(MWS) Medium Wide Camera Shot Example in The Usual Suspects

You can always frame camera shots from any angle as well, so don't be
afraid to think about medium long shots when behind a character:

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS

Cowboy Shot (CS)

A variation on this is the Cowboy Shot, which frames the subject from
roughly mid-thighs up. It’s called a “cowboy shot” because it is used in
Westerns to frame a gunslinger’s gun or holster on his hip.
 (CS) Cowboy Shot Camera Shot in Wonder Woman

Here is an example of a cowboy shot that's used in a film that has nothing
to do with cowboys, and it's also a three shot:

(CS) Cowboy Shot Example in The King’s Speech

TYPES OF SHOTS BY SHOT SIZE
Medium Shot (MS)

Let's move onto camera shots that reveal your subject in more detail.

The medium shot is one of the most common camera shots. It's similar to
the cowboy shot above, but frames from roughly the waist up and
 through the torso. So it emphasizes more of your subject while keeping
their surroundings visible. Here's an example of the medium shot size:

(MS) Medium Shot Example in X-Men: Days of Future Past

Medium shots may seem like the most standard camera shot around, but
every shot size you choose will have an effect on the viewer. A medium
shot can often be used as a buffer shot for dialogue scenes that have an
important moment later that will be shown in a close-up shot.

If you don't use all of the different types of camera shots in film, how can
you signal anything to your viewer without shot size contrast.

RELATED POSTS
• Cowboy Shots Guide →

• Medium Shots Guide →

• How to Make a Shot List →

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS

Medium Close Up Shot (MCU)

The medium close-up frames your subject from roughly the chest up. So
it typically favors the face, but still keeps the subject somewhat distant.

Here's an example of the medium close-up shot size:

 (MCU) Medium Close Up Shot Example in No Country for Old Men

The medium close-up camera shot size keeps the characters eerily distant
even during their face-to-face conversation.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS

Close Up (CU)

You know it’s time for a close-up shot when you want to reveal a
subject’s emotions and reactions. The close-up camera shot fills your
frame with a part of your subject. If your subject is a person, it is often
their face. Here's an example of the close-up shot size:

(CU) Close-Up Shot Example in The Usual Suspects

Of all the different types of camera shot sizes in film, a close-up is perfect
for moments that are important. The close-up shot size is near enough to
register tiny emotions, but not so close that we lose visibility.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOT SIZES

Extreme Close Up (ECU)

An extreme close-up is the most you can fill a frame with your subject. It
often shows eyes, mouth and gun triggers. In extreme close-up shots,
smaller objects get great detail and are the focal point.

Use an ECU to emphasize a specific feature of your subject:

(ECU) Extreme Close-Up Camera Shot Example in X-Men: First Class

Visionary filmmaker, Darren Aronofsky uses various degrees of close-ups

in his work, like in his film Black Swan. In this extreme close-up, we see
that her transformation happens quite literally. Aronofsky uses the extreme
close up shot size to show feathers growing in Nina’s back.
 (ECU) Extreme Close-Up Example in Black Swan

Extreme close-ups can be used in many different film genres, which

includes comedy as well. Here's an ECU example:

Type of camera shots example: (ECU) Extreme Close Up in Little Miss

Sunshine
RELATED POSTS
• Close-Up Shots Guide →

• Medium Close-Up Shots Guide →

• Extreme Close-Up Shots Guide →

ESTABLISHING SHOTS
It all starts with an establishing shot
An establishing shot is a shot at the head of a scene that clearly shows us
the location of the action. This shot often follows an aerial shot and is used
to show where everything will happen.

Consider the following examples:

Type of camera shots: Shooting Great Establishing Shots | StudioBinder

We cover a lot of shot specs in this post, but don't worry. You don't need
to memorize everything in this post. If you use StudioBinder when shot
listing, all these specs are listed as checkboxes for easy selection.

This allows you to focus on creativity rather than spending effort

attempting to recall shot jargon or retyping acronyms 5000 times:

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS — THE SHOT SIZE

Camera Shot Size Summary

How you choose to frame your subject will have a specific impact. How
close or far your subject is to your camera — your shot size — will
underscore how the audience should feel about it (or them).

Your subject will appear smallest in a long shot (or wide shot). They will
be larger in a medium shot and largest in a close-up shot.

Here is a shot list with every shot size organized from wide to near:
 Types of Camera Shot Sizes • Shot Listed in StudioBinder

You can create a PDF of this shot list to print or store digitally.

Think about familiarity when you consider your subject’s size in your
camera shots. It’s like meeting someone for the first time. You might
shake hands or talk about the weather, but odds are you’ll stay at a relative
distance. That’s because you haven’t built any familiarity yet.

Shot size is the building block for choosing camera shots, but you’ll also
need to consider how framing, focus and movement can add deeper
meaning to your shots. Read on to explore creative shot combinations.

Specific camera movements matter too. Are you going to rack focus while
completing a dolly move? Or maybe it’s just a traditional two shot on
sticks? You want to capture all these details when shot listing.

CAMERA FRAMING
WORKING WITH SUBJECT S IN THE FRAME
 Types of Camera Shot Framing

WORKING WITH SUBJECTS IN THE FRAME

1. Single Shot

2. Two Shot

3. Three Shot

4. Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)

5. Point-of-View Shot (POV)

For filmmakers and videographers, a major consideration for framing is

the number of subjects you feature in your shots, and their physical
relationship to each other and the camera.

CAMERA SHOT FRAMING DEFINITION

What is camera shot framing?

Camera shot framing is the art and science of placing subjects in your
shots. Camera shots are all about composition. Rather than pointing the
camera at the subject, you need to compose an image.

Based on how you plan to position your subjects, you'll need to adjust your
camerawork. You'll want to capture your framing details on a shot list well
before you arrive on set. That way you have a clear idea for the scene and
can communicate your vision with ease.

That's not to say that things may not change the day of the shoot. But,
having a shot list at the ready showcases that the director and DP have
done their homework and are well prepared.

Here is a shot list showcasing all the types of shot framing:

 Types of Camera Shot Framing • Shot Listed in StudioBinder
TYPES OF CAMERA SHOT FRAMING IN FILM
Single Shot

When your shot captures one subject it’s known as a single shot:
 Type of camera shots example: Single Shot in Iron Man

Single shots can be set and framed in any shot size you like, just as long as
there is only one character featured within the frame.

Now, why did I say featured rather than simply in the frame?

The reason is because you can have an over-the-shoulder single, also

known as a "dirty single" that technically has more than one person in the
frame, but the character in the foreground isn't featured:

Type of camera shots example: Over-The-Shoulder Shot in Armageddon

TYPES OF FRAMING
Two Shot or 2-Shot

A two-shot is a camera shot with two characters featured in the frame:

 Type of shot example: 2-Shot in The Matrix Reloaded

Two shots are often really useful for allowing performances to play out in
a single take, which can be especially useful for comedy.

CAMERA SHOT FRAMING IN MOVIES

Three Shot or 3-Shot

A three-shot features three characters in the frame:

 Type of shot example: 3-Shot in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –
Part 1

Three shots are really important in adventure films, or really any film that
has a group of characters, because it is an enormous time drain to shoot 3
singles just to show every character, not to mention jarring.

RELATED POSTS
• How to Make a Shot List →

• Two Shots Camera Shot Guide →

• FREE Shot List Template for Creatives →

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOT FRAMING

Over-The-Shoulder Shot (OTS)

Another element of camera shots to consider is the perspective of the shot.

An over-the-shoulder shot shows your subject from behind the shoulder of
another character. Because it emulates perspective, it’s common in
conversation scenes.

(OTS) Over-The-Shoulder Shot Example in Westworld

Over-the-shoulder shots can help to provide orientation, and connect the

characters on an emotional level.

The Over The Shoulder Shot Example in Film (and How to Shoot a Dialogue
Scene)
TYPES OF SHOTS BY FRAMING
Over-The-Hip Shot (OTH)

An over-the-hip shot is similar to over-the-shoulder in that the camera is

placed with a character's hip in the foreground, and the focus subject in the
plane of acceptable focus.

Here's an example of an over-the-hip shot:

 Over-The-Hip Shot Example in Film: Minority Report

You'll gain a similar effect from an over-the-hip shot as you would an

OTS, but if you have one character standing, and the other sitting,
kneeling, or any other configuration that places the subjects on "uneven
terrain" it will often suggest a power imbalance.

TYPES OF CAMERA FRAMING

Point of View Shot (POV)

Now let's talk about choosing camera shots that show the point-of-view (or
POV) of one of your characters.

A POV shot is a camera shot that shows the viewer exactly what that
character sees. This transports the audience into that character, as is done
in Being John Malkovich:

Point of View Shot Example in Being John Malkovich

POV shots can also invoke terror, as seen in Halloween:

Type of shot example: POV shot in Halloween

A point of view shot (POV) is generally sandwiched between two other

shots:

1. A camera shot of a character looking at something

2. Cut to your (POV) point of view camera shot

3. A camera shot showing the character's reaction

A point of view shot shows us exactly what the character sees, and we get
to understand what's generating the character's reaction.

RELATED POSTS
• How to Make a Shot List →

• Point of View Shots Guide →

• Over-The-Shoulder Shots Guide →

CAMERA FOCUS
THE VIEWER'S POINT OF ATTENTION

Types of Camera Shot Focus

THE VIEWER'S POINT OF ATTENTION

1. Rack Focus / Focus Pull

2. Shallow Focus

3. Deep Focus

4. Tilt-Shift

Cinema and television give the director an uncanny ability to control the
audience's vision. You can shift and change points of view as people learn
new information, move locations, or switch perspectives.

DEPTH OF FIELD DEFINITION

What is depth of field?

Depth of field (DOF) is the term used to describe the size of the area in
your image where objects appear acceptably sharp. The area in question is
known as the field, and the size (in z-space) of that area is the depth of that
field.

The center most point of the field is known as the point of focus. The
imaginary two dimensional plane that extends from that point is known as
the plane of focus. Any part of your image that falls directly on this plane
is officially in focus.

Here is a shot list with all the types of camera shot focus:

Camera Shot Focus Types • Shot Listed in StudioBinder

Plan focus changes on your shot list

Filmmakers often want to direct attention around different parts of the

scene. To do this, you need to decide on the angle of shot, camera
movements, and any special equipment needed to pull it off.

CAMERA SHOTS FOCUS TYPES

Rack Focus vs. Focus Pull
Manipulating focus is another way of communicating with your camera
shots. The vast majority of films you watch will keep their subjects in
focus 95% of the time, with the odd slip up here and there.

The first assistant cameraman (or “First AC”) will pull focus to make sure
that the subject stays within the acceptable focus range while they move to
various depths within the frame.

A rack focus is an emphasized focus pull, where the acceptable focus

range is intentionally shifted from one subject to another. This is an
aggressive use of focus as a story telling device:

Film Shot Types: The art of the rack focus

Focus Pull = Passive vs. Rack Focus = Aggressive

Now, this doesn't mean that pulling focus is easy, and in fact it is much
harder to maintain focus by making micro adjustments vs setting up a rack
focus on a set mark. It's just a matter of the viewer taking notice.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOT FOCUS

Shallow Focus Shot (Shallow DOF)

In shallow focus shots, your subject is in crisp focus while the foreground
and background scenery is out of focus. This limits your depth of field to
create emphasis on your subject.
 Film Shot Types: Two-shot + Shallow Depth of Field Example in The Social
Network

Here's another shallow focus shot example:

Film Shot Types: Shallow Focus Shot Example in The Night Of

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOT FOCUS
 Deep Focus Shot

In a deep focus shot, everything in your frame is in focus. This is when

you need your audience to feel the scenery or particular scene elements.

Film Shot Types: Deep Focus Shot Example in 12 Angry Men

Here's another deep focus shot example:

Film Shot Types: Deep focus staging shows two forces collide in Detroit
RELATED POSTS
• Rack Focus Shots Guide →
• Shallow Focus Shots Guide →

• Deep Focus Shots Guide →

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS BY FOCUS

Tilt-Shift Shot

A tilt-shift lens rotates perspective within the lens and emulates selective
focus. It can make parts of your image appear in sharp focus while others
are out of focus.

Film Shots Example: A tilt-shift lens captures a trippy bar mitzvah in A

Serious Man

Here's another tilt-shift shot example

 Film Shots Example: A tilt-shift lens creates dreamy distortion in The
Assassination of Jesse James

CAMERA ANGLES
ADJUSTING CAMERA HEIGHT FOR IMPACT

Types of Camera Shot Angles

ADJUSTING CAMERA HEIGHT FOR IMPACT

1. Eye Level Shot

2. Low Angle Shot

3. High Angle Shot

4. Hip Level Shot

5. Knee Level Shot

6. Ground Level Shot

7. Shoulder-Level Shot

8. Dutch Angle Shot

9. Birds-Eye-View Shot / Overhead Shot

10. Aerial Shot / Helicopter Shot

It's not enough to just understand shot size. Camera angles, and degree of
those angles, can totally change the meaning of a film shot.

CAMERA SHOT ANGLE DEFINITION

What is camera shot angle?

The camera shot angle is used to specify the location where the camera is
placed to take a shot. The position of the camera in relation to the subjects
can affect the way the viewer perceives the scene. A scene may be shot
simultaneously from multiple camera angles to amplify the cinematic
effect and the emotions.

Here is a shot list with the different types of camera shot angles:

Types of Camera Shot Angles Examples • Shot Listed in StudioBinder

In this section we'll cover all the different types of camera angles in film
and provide you with plenty of camera angle examples:
TYPES OF CAMERA ANGLES
Eye Level Shot

First, consider the most common height: the eye level shot. When your
subject is at eye-level they’re in a neutral perspective (not superior or
inferior). This mimics how we see people in real life -- our eye line
connecting with theirs.

Types of Angles: Eye Level Shot Example in Forrest Gump

Here's another eye level shot example:

 Types of Camera Shot Angles: Eye Level Shot Example in Alice in
Wonderland
TYPES OF CAMERA ANGLES
Low Angle Shot

This shot frames the subject from a low camera height. These camera shots
most often emphasize power dynamics between characters.

Low Angle Camera Shot Examples | StudioBinder

A superior character with the upper hand is often framed from down low.
This makes an inferior feel like they are looking up to them.

Types of Angles: Low Angle Shot Example in The Empire Strikes Back
TYPES OF ANGLES: HIGH ANGLE SHOT EXAMPLE
High Angle Shot

In a high angle shot, the camera points down at your subject. It usually
creates a feeling of inferiority, or “looking down” on your subject.

But, as the video below shows, there are creative expressions of this type
of angle...

Types of Camera Angles: High Angle Shot Examples

Here's an example of a high angle shot:

 Film Shots Examples: High Angle Shot in The Princess Bride
RELATED POSTS
• Eye Level Shot Guide →

• Low Angle Shot Guide →

• High Angle Shot Guide →

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOT ANGLES

Hip Level Shot

A hip level shot is when your camera is roughly waist-high.

 Types of Camera Angles: Hip Level Shot Example in Reservoir Dogs

Here's another hip level shot example:

Types of Angles: Hip Level Shot Example in Punk-Drunk Love

TYPES OF CAMERA ANGLES
Knee Level Shot

This is when your camera height is about as low as your subject’s knees.
They can emphasize a character’s superiority if paired with a low angle.
 Shot Types: Knee Level Shot in Home Alone

Here's another knee level shot example:

Types of Camera Shot Angles: Knee Level Shot Example in Revenge of the
Sith
TYPES OF SHOT ANGLES IN MOVIES
Ground Level Shot

A ground level shot is when your camera’s height is on ground level with
your subject. Needless to say, this shot captures what’s going on the
ground your subject stands on.
 Types of Angles: Ground Level Shot Example in Star Wars VIII: The Last
Jedi

Here's another ground level shot example:

Shot Types: Ground Level Shot Example in Black Swan

Here's another ground level shot example:

 Types of Angles: Ground Level Shot Example in Full Metal Jacket
TYPES OF CAMERA ANGLES IN FILM
Shoulder Level Shot

This is when your camera is roughly as high as your subject’s shoulders.

Shoulder level shots are actually much more standard than an eye level
shot, which can make your actor seem shorter than reality:
 Types of Camera Shot Angles: Shoulder Level Shot in Black Panther

A shoulder level shot can maximize the feeling of superiority when paired
with a low angle. Here's another shoulder level shot example:

Types of Camera Angles: Shoulder Level Shot Example in No Country For

Old Men
TYPES OF SHOTS IN FILM
Dutch Angle or Dutch Tilt Shot

For a dutch angle (dutch tilt), the camera is slanted to one side. With the
horizon lines tilted in this way, you can create a sense of disorientation.

Shot Types: Dutch Angle Example | StudioBinder

CAMERA SHOTS ANGLE IN FILM
Bird’s Eye View Shot or Overhead Shot

An overhead shot is from way up high, looking down on your subject and
a good amount of the scenery surrounding him or her. This can create a
great sense of scale and movement.
 A handy compilation of bird’s eye camera shots.

Here's an overhead shot example:

Types of Angles: Overhead Shot Example in Eternal Sunshine of the

Spotless Mind
CAMERA SHOTS BY ANGLE
Aerial Shot

Whether taken from a helicopter or drone, this is a shot from way up high.
It establishes a large expanse of scenery. The opening shots of Blade
Runner use them to establish futuristic cityscapes.
 Types of Camera Shot Angles: Aerial Shot Example in Blade Runner

Affordable drones have made aerial photography more accessible to

filmmakers. Once considered a big-budget luxury or stock-footage
mainstay, original aerial photography is now within reach of almost any
production, all thanks to the "rise" of drones (and Sky-net).

RELATED POSTS
• Dutch Angle Shots Guide →

• Overhead Shots Guide →

• Aerial Shots Guide →

CAMERA MOVEMENT
M E A N I N G T H RO U G H M O T I O N

Types of Camera Movement

MEANING THROUGH MOTION

1. Static / Fixed Shot

2. Dolly Shot

3. Zoomhot

4. Dolly Zoom Shot

5. Pan Shot

6. Tilt Shot

7. Whip Pan Shot

8. Whip Tilt Shot

9. Tracking Shot

10. Crab Shot

11. Arc Shot

The way a camera moves can give meaning to what's happening on screen.
You can burst into a room, drone over from on high, pan with a head turn,
and dolly-zoom for any revelation.

CAMERA MOVEMENT DEFINITION

What is camera movement?

Camera movement is a powerful filmmaking tool employed to modify

the relationship between the subject and the camera frame, with the goal of
altering viewer's perspective of space and time for a more impactful story
telling.

Camera moves set directors out from the pack and wind up defining their
visual style. But how can you plan all these camera movements so your
story stays consistent from scene to scene?

Fimmaking Techniques: Camera Movement

TYPES OF SHOTS IN FILM
Static Shot or Fixed Shot

When there’s no movement (i.e. locked camera aim) it’s called a static
shot. These camera shots emphasize the appearance and movement of your
subject against its environment, and are predominantly captured by being
placed on a tripod or a dolly that remains static during the shot.

Static shots work well in every genre, but they're nice for comedy because
the actor’s performance trumps the camera moves.

Static Shot Example in Step Brothers

TYPES OF SHOTS MOVEMENT
Camera Dolly Shot

A dolly shot is where the camera is affixed to a mechanism called a dolly,

which is a specialized push-cart built to handle heavy cinema cameras. A
dolly will often have areas to attach seats for the camera operator and
assistant camera operators to pull focus and control the camera.

Types of Shots in Film: Chapman Dolly UK

A dolly most commonly will be placed on tracks, and the vast majority of
professional dollies have either a hydraulic or even a pneumatic head that
can jib up and down during operation.

CAMERA ZOOM EXAMPLE IN MOVIES

Zoom Lens Shot

Zoom shots are camera shots that change the focal length of the lens
during the shot. This action can be a zoom out, or a zoom in, but they are
different from a push in (or dolly in) because the camera is rarely changing
positions, but simply altering the focal length of the lens.

A good way to remember this is that the camera does not zoom, but rather
the lens zooms. Now, your iPhone might be able to do an "digital zoom"
which is actually just reducing the image quality by moving in on an
already captured image which is a huge faux pas in pro filmmaking.

Film Shots Examples: Quentin Tarantino's Zoom Shot

Here's another zoom shot example:

Film Shots Examples: Zoom Shot in The Shining

TYPES OF CAMERA MOVEMENT
Dolly/Zoom Shot or Vertigo Shot

A dolly/zoom shot is where the camera position and focal length of the
lens are simultaneously altered to create a warping effect.

Types of Shots in Film: Dolly Zoom | StudioBinder

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS BY MOVEMENT
Camera Pan Shot

Camera pans move the camera side to side on a horizontal axis. This can
reveal something to your viewer or allow them to follow an action.

Camera Pan Shot Example in Munich

CAMERA TILT EXAMPLE IN FILM
Camera Tilt Shot

A camera tilt is when you move your camera up and down on a vertical
axis. So it’s exactly like a pan, only vertical.

Camera Tilt Shot Example in The Grand Budapest Hotel

TYPES SHOTS OF MOVEMENT IN FILM
Whip Pan Shot or Swish Pan Shot

A whip pan happens when you pan the camera from one shot to another,
creating a motion blur.

Whip Pans Examples | StudioBinder

Here's an example of a whip pan captured on set:

Behind the scenes on a whip pan setup in La La Land

TYPES OF MOVEMENT IN FILM
Whip Tilt Shot or Swish Tilt Shot

The swish tilt is the same idea as a swish pan, only vertical.

Wes Anderson uses the swish pans and tilts extensively in The Grand
Budapest Hotel
TYPES OF SHOT MOVEMENT IN MOVIES
Tracking Shot

A tracking shot moves with your subject. Sometimes it follows behind or

beside them on a dolly, Steadicam or a gimbal.
 Types of Shots in Film: Tracking Shots Examples | StudioBinder

Here is one of the earliest tracking shot examples:

Tracking Shot Example in Paths of Glory

TYPES OF CAMERA MOVEMENT IN MOVIES
Crab Shots

The crab shot is basically a dolly shot that moves horizontally like a crab.

Crab Shot Example in Oldboy

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS BY MOVEMENT
Arc Shot

Arc shots are camera shots where the camera moves around the subject in
an arc pattern so as to show more of the surroundings:

Arc Shot Example in The Dark Knight

CAMERA MECHANISMS
UNDERSTANDING GEAR R EQUIREMENTS

Camera mechanisms is a fancy way of saying camera equipment. Want

your camera to glide along a slider? Pushed on a dolly? Swooping with a
jib arm? Hovering with a gimbal?

Depending on the gear you use, the feeling of a shot can dramatically
change. This is why you'll need to give the mechanism some thought when
shot listing. Just remember, camera mechanisms don't just affect the look
and feel of a shot, but also your budget, and prep time on set.

Technocranes don't come cheap. And setup time could put your set in a
holding pattern if you don't schedule carefully. So choose your camera
mechanisms carefully when you shot list.
 Type of Camera Mechanisms

UNDERSTANDING GEAR REQUIREMENTS

1. Sticks / Tripod

2. Slider Shot

3. Handheld Shot

4. Steadicam Shot

5. Gimbal Shot

6. Crane Shot

7. Jib Shot

8. Drone Shot

9. Wire Shot

TYPES OF CAMERA MECHANISMS IN FILM

1. Sticks / Tripod Shot

Now let’s consider the different mechanisms that will dictate the
movement in your camera shots. The most common mechanism is the
tripod, or “sticks”, used for static shots and simple pans and tilts.

Caption goes here...

TYPES OF MECHANISMS IN FILM
2. Camera Slider Shot

A slider is a piece of equipment that “slides” your camera on a vertical or

horizontal axis. It’s sort of like a dolly mounted on a tripod that creates
smooth, sweeping camera moves.

Camera Slider Shots Example

You can also use a slider with a tripod head to mimic a jib shot, but you
want to be careful not to let the weight become unbalanced.

Camera Slider into Camera Jib

TYPES OF CAMERA MECHANISMS
3. Handheld Camera Shot

Handheld shots are held and moved by a camera operator. They aren’t
stabilized and often shaky. They can add a gritty feel to a shot.

Handheld camera shot example

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS BY MECHANISMS
4. Steadycam Shots

A Steadycam is a camera stabilizing device that attaches to the camera

operator. It uses a counterbalancing system for smooth and stable camera
moves.

Steadycam is the broad name for this camera mechanism, while the Tiffen
Steadicam (with an 'i') is the model name used by Tiffen.

Think: Tissue paper vs Kleenex.

Fun fact: the above is known as a proprietary eponym. So, now you're
not only learning your camera shots, but also vocabulary. How fun!

Steadycam Shot Example in Goodfellas

3-AXIS GIMBAL EXAMPLE
5. Camera Gimbal Shot

Gimbals are another camera stabilizing device that use motorized

gyroscopes to reduce friction. It is more compact than a Steadicam and
completely handheld. This allows it to fit through tight spaces.

Cinematic Gimbal Shots

TECHNOCRANE SHOTS EXAMPLE
6. Camera Crane Shots
A shot from a robotic crane often sweeps up and over a scene. It is a great
first or final shot for a film.

Crane Shot Example

CAMERA JIB EXAMPLE
7. Camera Jib Shot

A jib is a crane device that sweeps the camera up and over a setting. A jib
is similar a crane, but with more limited range and movement. It's compact
and utilizes counter-weights.

A jib is a cost-effective way to get an expensive-looking crane shot

DRONE SHOT EXAMPLE
8. Drone Shots

These camera shots attach to a drone to fly over or alongside your subject.
They're often used for aerial shots. Drones are way cheaper than
helicopters and can operate in spaces helicopters can’t.

Drone Shot Example in Skyfall

CABLECAM EXAMPLE
9. Camera Wire Shots

In this shot, the camera moves on a cable or wire for deliberate, smooth
moves. Like drones, wires get much closer to the action than helicopters.
These are often used in live concerts and sporting events.