Long Shot: The actor will often start off centre as to enter the scene and to show space and distance between the character and the world around them. It shows the actor(s) whole body, head to toe. Often used to show isolation when used of centre and with an actor entering the scene, alone.
Medium Shot: Closer than the long shot. Shows actor(s) from the waist up. The actor(s) are normally central. Effective when combined with a Pan (see below) shot
Close Up: Shows the actors face and the tops of the shoulder. The camera will typically be at eye level. The face will block the background. The angle is used to detail the actors facial expression. It is used when the actors expression or words are the focus of attention.
Extreme Close Up: Further focuses on a particular area of the actors face, such as the eyes and lips. An example would be those used in a duel as seen in Westerns.
High Angle: The camera is slightly higher (above head height) and tilted downwards. It could also be used from eye level to look down towards the ground. It also shows that the character is in a weak position.
Low Angle The camera is slightly lower (waist height) and tilted upwards. Used to show a character in a strong position over another character. It is used generally to show a position of power, or a person of authority.
Over the Shoulder: The camera is at the shoulder of actor A and captures a close up of Actor B. Used during exchange of dialogue. Could also be used to capture another subject.
Reverse shot: Filmed over the shoulder from the perspective of actor B
Point of View (POV): From the perspective of the actor, as if looking from the actors eyes. Used to show the hands, an object, or during an interaction. The angle is immersive but does not capture a full scene. There are films filmed using only POV camera angle and can be effective in higher tempo, linear films. Provides a 'game' like effect when used in this way.
Pan: The camera follows the actor across a horizontal line from a fixed anchor point. The angle is useful when following the movement of an actor through a scene. Best applied when used transitionally, as to show an actor entering or leaving a scene. It could also be used in scenes that use movement in a fixed area.
Whip Pans: The camera pans more quickly. The pan may be used extensively during a scene. It often used to connect characters within a busy scene. The Whip Pan focuses on the specific actors or interesting details, whilst blurring out the rest of the scene.
Tilt: Follows the actor on a vertical axis, from a fixed point, such as the actor crouching. Can be combined with a ground level shot where the camera finishes below ground or behind an object for cut. Titling can also be used to add depth to a scene as it reveals more of an actor or scenery than a neutral shot.
Aerial Shot (Birds eye view): From high above the scene, as if from a birds view (Higher than high angle). Used for capturing a scene. Normally used in a fluid motion. Can capture a many actors and details. Useful for transitions. Excellent for fight scenes as it covers a wide area and captures the actions from varying angles.
Worms Eye View: From a ground level facing upwards (lower than low angle). Used to focus on the actor. Is more like a secret camera, that is used to spy on the characters conspiring. Useful if the actor(s) are looking towards the ground, such as when reading or looking at something on the ground. Also useful in action scenes such as sword fights.
Tracking Shot: The camera tracks and moves with the actor(s). This is most useful when the actors are moving.
Dutch Angle: The frame of the camera is at a slight angle. The frame has been been pioneered by directors such as Spike Lee. The angle is used to show a change in a scene. It could also be used to to imply intoxication or a change in emotion.
Cowboy Shot: Similar to the long shot, but done at knee/waist height. Used to commonly to highlight holstered guns in cowboy films.
Eye Level: Is a neutral angle. It is used most commonly during dialogue. It is usually combined with close shots.
Shoulder Level: Conversations, used with Over the shoulder. Shows height differences between actors.
Hip Level: Usually combined with Cowboy shot, the angle is filmed at hip level. It is typically used to further highlight holstered weapons, but can be used in any film style.
Knee Height: Filmed from knee level. The angle can be used like a hip level but also to show power or authority. Often used to show perspective, as in the actor is crouched or on their knees.
Ground Level: Can be used to high light the feet or used with a tilt to reveal a scene from ground height. Typically used to show footsteps of a stalker, or someone walking but but otherwise remains unseen. Also used to detail any actions at ground level, or something interesting with the actors feet.
Static Shots: The camera is fixed and does not move. Its most used for dialogue or where actors are in a fixed position (seated). It is also used to bring emphasis to the actor.
Push In – The camera moves closer to the actor. It is used to high light the actor or even a an object or written message.. It implies this is important. When combined with a close up, it can used to highlight a change in emotion.
Pull Out: The camera moves away from the actor. This is mainly used to highlight isolation or abandonment. It can be combined with a sweeping angle or cut away to end a scene.
Zoom: The camera zooms in on something of detail such as a prop or a message from a fixed position. The zoom could also be used from a wide angle and used to zoom into a scene from distance. The camera then cuts to closer angles of the scene, such as a pan at eye level.
Slow Zooms create a sense of unease. This could such as focusing on an unpleasant entity, prop or effect, in the scene.
Crash Zooms are higher tempo zooms. They are used mostly in comedy or action scenes. They are used to quickly draw attention to a particular detail or action.
Dolly Zoom: Uses a combination of Zoom and Camera movement. The camera moves in but zooms out. The focus remains on the point of interest, such as the actor(s), but the background grows. It can be used in reverse, to phase out the background and draw the actor into attention. The aim is to retain the scale of the actor, whilst changing the volume of background in view.
Camera Roll: The camera rotates on a fix axis. This is used during times of sudden shock or suspense. Its typically used when an actor is caught in a trap and are now hanging.
Arc: The camera moves around the actor(s) in an arc. The point of focus is fixed, but the distance and angle changes over the shape of the arc. The arc is used during scenes where multiple actor are in conversation. The speed of an arc can imply danger or suspense. Arc may also be useful to show that the character is under duress intoxicated, or mentally impaired. Normally rotates around the subject, but could rotate over head.
Boom Shots: Used to track movement in an upward motion, such as an actor climbing a ladder.
Random Movement/Camera Shake: The camera randomly captures different elements of the scene in one fluid motion. The camera moves between actor, towards various details and actions. Camera shake adds subtle shakes that alters the focus of the camera and adds some realism. This style of filming is most useful when filming documentary style films.
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