camera shots glossary

Extreme long shot-A shot that is a long way from the point of interest. Usually used to set the scene.

Long shot-Closer than an extreme long shot but still a fair distance away to show maybe a person and the environment around him/her.

Mid shot-shows most of something for example a person and a bit of the background.

Close up-shows the face, a little background and maybe a bit of their body.

Extreme close up-shows for example just an eye, or mouth, teeth etc.

Two shot-A shot with two objects in it like for example 2 people.

Low angle shot-This gives a sense of size to the object being shown. For example a person may seem bigger if the low angle shot is applied.

High angle shot-This gives a sense of helplessness and a lack of power. For example a person could seem venerable if this shot is applied.

Tracking shot-This shot tracks the object moving through the scene to make it seem like you are with them or behind them.

Aerial shot-A shot shown from the air by perhaps a helicopter showing a wide landscape like a big city for example.

Point of view shot-This shot shows exactly what the person is seeing through their eyes.

Tilt shot-This shows a sense of scale as you could be looking at their feet and then it tilts up to show just how big they are.

Crane shot-This is a shot held high in the sky but not as high as the aerial shot. This gives a sense of size and scale.

Zoom in zoom out-Camera focuses zooming in or out on a key detail. This can be used to examine significant details.

Over the shoulder shot-This shot is framed behind a person who is looking at the subject. The shot helps to establish the position of each person.