Shots, framing and meaning Camera basics 16:9 16 9 aspect ratio
Nov 29, 2014
Shots, framing and meaningCamera basics 16:9
16
9
aspect ratio
Extreme long shot (XLS/WA)subject very small in frame. Male or female?
used to open a sequence - where are we?
neutralcameraheight
subjective
Very long shot (VLS)subject is about 3rd screen space
used to introduce a person but not identify them
neutralcameraheight
subjective
long shot (LS)subject fills the frame
used to introduce a someone often in motion
neutralcameraheight
subjective
medium long shot (MLS)subject is cut by the frame above/below knees
we recognise but lack detail esp. eyes
neutralcameraheight
subjective
medium shot (MS)frame cuts subject below waist & elbow
Direction of gaze draws attention
neutralcameraheight
subjective
medium close up (MCU)
neutralcameraheight
subjective
frame cuts subject below arm joint
facial expressions emphasised - not intrusive
close up (CU)frame cuts subject above arm joint - not neck!
emphasises intimacy, secrecy etc
neutralcameraheight
subjective
big close up (BCU)frame cuts subject above brow, above chin
extreme emotion
neutralcameraheight
subjective
intrusive and powerful
extreme close up (ECU)
neutralcameraheight
subjective
frame features just eyes or eyes and nose
interviews MCU - headroom
subject rotated slightly and not looking to camera
neutralcameraheight
objective
cameraright
3/4 profile
cameraleft
interviews - looking roomdefinite ‘eyeline’, framed camera left or right
neutralcameraheight
objective
3/4 profile
cameraright
cameraleft
these shots need to balance each other
interviews - matching MCUs
neutralcameraheight
objective
eyeline eyeline
More reading
‘The Grammar of the shot’. RoyThompson