Types of Shots

Shots are mainly for identifying distances between the camera itself and its subject and what it's going to focus on. Depending on how well this aspect is handled, filmmakers may have greater or lesser control over the various elements that hold their story together.

If we're to think realistically, there is a limitless sea of possibilities when it comes to picking a distance, angle or subject to focus on. However, there are certain goalposts when it comes to defining basic layouts, all of which are useful in depicting particular scenes or moments within a film. Although a film-maker has all the right to position the camera anywhere he pleases, these camera positions all have a different effect on the audience. If they are well-understood prior to using them, they can be used to achieve a greater purpose.

Normally, it is suggested that a scene be introduced in the following order: from large to small (i.e. from a general sense of the scene to the main focus, which would vary from film to film).

Establishing shot:

Gives an over-all view of the background along with the subject matter. It's useful to use first as a means to introduce the surroundings before getting into the fine detail.



Mid shot:

Focuses on the subject even more intensely, but does not remove all the surroundings necessarily. There is still the impression of the over-all subject intact.



Close-up:

The subject's features become the dominant aspect of the frame and therefore are closely scrutinized. At this point there are practically no surroundings visible.




Other shots:

Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
Very Wide Shot (VWS)
Medium Close-Up (MCU)
Extreme Close-Up (ECU)
Cut-in
Point of View (POV)

Images are courtesy of MediaCollege, http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/