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Types of Camera Angles

THE CLOSE-UP (CU)
THE CLOSE-UP (CU)

A close up or closeup in filmmaking, television production, still photography and the comic strip medium is a type of shot, which tightly frames a person or an object. Close-ups are one of the standard shots used regularly with medium shots and long shots (cinematic techniques).

THE DOLLY ZOOM
THE DOLLY ZOOM

The dolly zoom is an in-camera effect that appears to undermine normal visual perception. The effect is achieved by zooming a zoom lens to adjust the angle of view (often referred to as field of view, or FOV) while the camera dollies (moves) toward or away from the subject in such a way as to keep the subject the same size in the frame throughout.

THE ESTABLISHING SHOT
THE ESTABLISHING SHOT

This article provides tips for action cues, the establishing shot & more Discover how to plan camera shots & camera motions in storyboards before filming. This article provides tips for action cues, the establishing shot & more

THE EXTREME CLOSE-UP (XCU)
THE EXTREME CLOSE-UP (XCU)

THE EXTREME CLOSE-UP (XCU) This shot is traditionally used in films and focuses on a small part of the actor’s face or body, like a twitching eye or the licking of lips in order to convey intense and intimate emotions.

source: nyfa.edu
THE HIGH ANGLE SHOT
THE HIGH ANGLE SHOT

High camera angles... specifically the high-angle camera angle, shows the subject from above but... Not precisely overhead, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject but the shot itself is not at a great height or an aerial view.

THE LOW ANGLE SHOT
THE LOW ANGLE SHOT

Low Angle. Low angles are captured from a camera placed below the actor’s eyes, looking up at them. Low angles make characters look dominant, aggressive, or ominous. High Angle. In a high angle, the camera is above the subject, looking down. This position makes characters look weak, submissive, or frightened.

THE MEDIUM SHOT (MS)
THE MEDIUM SHOT (MS)

Shots indicating camera angle/placement. In addition to subject size within a frame, shot types can also indicate where a camera is placed in relation to the subject. Here are some commonly used terms: Eye Level Shot taken with the camera approximately at human eye level, resulting in a neutral effect on the audience.

THE OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT
THE OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT

the over-the-shoulder shot This is where the camera is positioned behind a subject’s shoulder and is usually used for filming conversations between two actors. This popular method helps the audience to really be drawn into the conversation and helps to focus in on one speaker at a time. Seeing as the non-speaking actor is seen only from behind, it’s common for major production sets to substitute actors with stand-ins or doubles for these shots.

source: nyfa.edu