Different shot types and camera angles

Different shot types

There are 8 main different shot types that are really important in film-making. In this post I will discuss the main ones and how these communicate information to an audience.

Extreme Long Shot (ELS)


A wide view of a complete setting, such as a cityscape or a scene with mountains in the background.

• Establishing shot
• Gives context to the scene
• Emphasises the background. It can show how powerful nature is versus us humans and make us feel small and vulnerable
• Camera is at a very far distance from the subject

Long Shot (LS)

A view of a scene that is shot from a considerable distance so that people appear as indistinct shapes.

• Shows all or most of the subject and much of the surroundings
• This shot can set the scene (establishing shot)  and the characters place in it
• The character becomes more of the focus than in the extreme long shot

Medium Long Shot (MLS)

An intermediate shot between the long shot and the medium shot. Shows the subject in relation to the surroundings.

• Shows the subject from the knees up
• It brings emphasis to the physique of the subject and shows lots of detail of the subject

Medium Shot (MS)

Shows part of the subject in more detail.

• This shot usually frames the subject from the waist up
• It focuses on character in a scene however it still shows some of the environment
• There is usually a little space above the head
• It can easily show the expression of gestures and details of physical appearance
• This shot can be used to transition 

Medium Close-Up (MCU)

This shot falls between a medium shot and a close-up.

• It usually frames the subject from the shoulders up or from the chest
• Typical frame for a newsreader
• Also used for conversation between characters and their reactions
• Shows a considerable amount of detail of the subject
• The subject or subjects becomes the centre of attention

Close-Up (CU)

This shot fills the screen with part of the subject such as their face.

• Shows a lot of detail on the subject such as their face
• It really shows the emotions of the subjects face
• The subjects emotions can dominate the scene
• A lot of detail on the subject
• Shows the social triangle ( eyes, nose and mouth portray emotion)

Big Close-Up (BCU)

 A shot which shows a lot of detail of a foreground subject filling the entirety of the screen.

• Cleary shows their emotion and the social triangle
• Shows a great deal of detail to the subjects face for example
• It is usually framed from just above the chin to the middle of the forehead
• Brings emphasis to  the intimate emotion of the subject

Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

A shot that emphasises a small area or detail of the subject, for example the eyes or the mouth.

• Allows the viewer to enter the characters intimate space
• Revels certain characteristics and emotions that would go unnoticed from afar
• Reveals only a small part of the subject such as their mouth
• Intensifies feeling that the character is experiencing, allowing us to feel sympathy for the character and connect with them
• Creates a sense of mystery and tension 

Different camera angles 

Eye Level

This is a shot that is taken with camera that is roughly at human eye level. This results in a neutral effect on the audience.

High Angle

This is when the subject is filmed or photographed from above eye level which can make them seem vulnerable, weak and frightened.

Low Angle

This is when the subject is filmed or photographed from below eye level which can make the subject look heroic, powerful and even dangerous.

Canted Angle

This is when the camera is set at an angle on its roll axis so that the horizon line is not level which can show a disorientated or uneasy phycological state.

Over-the-Shoulder Shot

This is when a subject is shot from behind the shoulder of another. This can frame the subject anywhere from a Medium to Close-Up.  It usually puts emphasis on the connection between two speakers during a conversation.

Bird's-Eye View

This is a high-angle shot that is taken from directly overhead and from a distance. This shot allows the audience to see a wider view and it can be useful for showing direction. A way this shot is often taken is from on a crane or helicopter.