Camera Shot Sizes & Framing Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is a Camera Shot?
A camera shot is a series of frames shot uninterrupted from when the camera starts until it stops. Filmmakers use different shot sizes, angles, framing, and movements to emphasize emotions, ideas, and movement in a scene.
What is Shot Size?
Shot size refers to how much of the subject or setting is visible in a frame. Different sizes communicate narrative value and are used to tell a story.
Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
Subject appears small against location. Used to emphasize location or isolation. Makes subject feel distant, unfamiliar, or overwhelmed.
Wide Shot (WS)
Shows the whole body of a subject but not filling the frame. Good for seeing surroundings and grand settings while keeping the subject in view.
Full Shot (FS)
Subject fills the frame from head to toe. Emphasizes both the subject and surrounding scenery. Can include multiple characters.
Medium Wide Shot (MWS)
Frames subject from roughly the knees up. A midpoint between a full shot and a medium shot.
Cowboy Shot (CS)
Frames subject from mid-thighs up. Used in Westerns to show holster or gun. Emphasizes hip area.
Medium Shot (MS)
Frames subject from waist up. Common shot that balances detail with context of surroundings.
Medium Close-Up (MCU)
Frames subject from chest up. Focuses on the face while keeping some background visible.
Close-Up (CU)
Fills frame with part of subject, often the face. Reveals emotions and reactions. Shows tiny expressions.
Extreme Close-Up (ECU)
Fills frame with extreme detail, such as eyes, mouth, or small objects. Focuses viewer attention on the smallest elements.
Establishing Shot
Appears at the start of a scene to show location. Often follows aerial shots. Tells viewer where action takes place.
Why use a variety of shot sizes?
To convey meaning, emotion, and narrative emphasis. Variety signals contrast and intention, helping viewers interpret the scene.
What is Camera Shot Framing?
Framing is the art and science of placing subjects in your shots. It’s about how you compose an image, not just where you point the camera.
What is Composition?
Composition is how elements are arranged in a shot. Images are often divided into three sections: foreground (front), middle ground (usually the subject), and background (behind the subject).
The Rule of Thirds
Divides an image into thirds using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing important elements at the intersections creates a natural, balanced image.
The Golden Triangle
A diagonal line is drawn across the image. Two more lines go from the other corners to intersect it at 90°. This helps create dynamic, balanced focal points.
Single Shot
A shot that captures only one subject in the frame. Any shot size can be used, as long as there is only one character featured.
Two Shot
A shot with two characters in the frame. Useful for allowing performances to play out in one take, especially in comedy.
Three Shot
A shot that features three characters in one frame. Saves time compared to three single shots and works well in ensemble scenes like adventure films.
Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)
Shows one subject from behind another character’s shoulder. Common in conversations. Helps orient the viewer and emotionally connect or isolate characters.
Over-the-Hip Shot (OTH)
Similar to OTS, but framed from the hip. Often used when characters are on different physical levels, suggesting a power imbalance.
Point-of-View Shot (POV)
Shows exactly what a character sees. Often used with shot-reverse-shot technique: 1. Shot of character looking 2. POV shot 3. Shot of character reacting.
How is POV used in Romance, Sci-Fi, and Mental States?
• Romance: Helps viewers fall in love with another character alongside the protagonist. • Sci-Fi: Shows strange or unfamiliar perspectives. • Mental States: Lets viewers feel what the character is feeling.
