Types of shot

Establishing shot

An establishing shot shows the audience where and when the following scene is. This one is of New York because I can see the flat iron building.

Wide shot

A wide shot shows us more detail in the background rather than just showing the man in this instance, perhaps it shows us how alone he is.

Medium shot

A medium shot is usually from the waist upwards and shows us a character in the scene in a little more detail. In this case because it is a medium shot we are able to see that Leo is carrying a gun, where we might not have done in a wide shot or a close up

Close up

A close up shot shows the audience what the filmmaker wants them to see and only that. It also allows us to see a lot of emotion on a character’s face

Medium close up

Medium close ups give us a bit more information about the character

Extreme Close up

Usually of a person’s face or an important object/image, an extreme close up presents an even more intense image. It can show more detail in an object or more emotion in someone’s face.

Point of view

Shows a character’s point of view therefore makes you feel more involved in the scene

Over the shoulder

Makes the audience feel involved in the scene, creates an interesting image with different layers (foreground and background). These can be used to make the person in the foreground seem more imposing, or simply create more interest in a dialogue scene.

Two shotShows two characters in a scene, often similar to a medium shot and it can also be used as a shot reverse shot in a scene of dialogue.

Shot reverse shot

Usually to show a conversation between two or more people so the flow of the camera is natural as if we were taking part in the conversation.

High angle shot

Taken from above, the high angle shot is often used to show people as being inferior or to compliment their emotion, usually fear or inferiority etc.

Low angle shot

Shows the characters from a low angle, and makes them seem more powerful and imposing.