Shot Types Flashcards
Extreme Long Shot (ELS)
Establishes the wider location and can give a sense of loneliness. Also scale.
Long Shot (LS)
Shows the location, places the subject in the background.
Medium Long Shot (MLS)
Shows background and character in enough detail for us to begin to know them and make decisions about them.
Mid/Medium Shot (MS)
Creates a sense of stability and the ordinary. Establishes feel of character, emotion, stability, power.
Mid/Medium Close Up (MCU)
Directs the viewers attention onto one character by focusing on their head and shoulders.
Close up (CU)
Draws attention to the subject, facial expression and emotion.
Extreme Close Up (ECU)
Particular attention on small details, more dramatic.
Two Shot
Shows two characters as the central characters of the scene.
Low Angle
Makes the subject seem powerful and dynamic.
High Angle
Makes the subject seem vulnerable.
Aerial/Bird’s Eye Shot
Establishes location.
Canted Angle
Produces a dynamic effect, used to put the viewer on edge.
Eye-Level Shot
Most natural camera angle.
Over the shoulder shot
Usually used to shoot a conversation.
Track
The camera is mobile & can follow the character.
Zoom
Camera lens changes shape to move closer to the subject.
Pan
Camera is stationary but scans the scene and follows action.
Tilt
The camera lens is moved up and down.
Steadicam
The camera is attached to a shock absorbing arm and harness which is worn by the camera operator.
Handheld
The camera is held by the operator which means the footage can be quite shaky and hard to watch.
