Camera techniques

Common Camera Techniques:

• Wide Shot (WS): A type of long shot which typically shows the entire object or human figure, allowing viewers to understand the setting and placement of characters in the scene.

• Medium Shot (MS): This shot frames a subject from the waist up. It’s used to maintain viewer connection with the subject while still revealing some environmental context.

• Close-up (CU): These shots frame the subject tightly, often focusing on the face to show emotion and reaction.

• Extreme Close-up (ECU): This technique is used to heighten intensity by focusing on a specific detail or feature, like an eye or a hand.

• Over the Shoulder Shot (OTS): A shot taken from the perspective or angle from behind the shoulder of another character, focused on the scene or other character.

• Point of View Shot (POV): An immersive shot which shows what a character is looking at from their perspective.

Camera Movement Techniques:

• Pan: The camera pivots horizontally, left to right or right to left from a stationary position.

• Tilt: The camera moves vertically, up to down or down to up from a fixed position.

• Dolly/Tracking Shot: The camera moves along the ground following or moving towards the subject.

• Crane Shot: The camera moves above the ground vertically, with the assistance of a crane.

• Zoom: The lens focal length changes to make the subject appear closer or further away.

Advanced Camera Techniques:

• Depth of Field: An effect where the focus is sharp in the centre and lessens on the outer edges.

• Rack Focus: A dramatic change in focus from one subject to another.

• Slow Motion: Time appears to slow down in the footage to highlight detail or create dramatic effect.

• Time Lapse: This technique captures footage at a much slower rate than it will be played back, making time appear to pass faster.

Remember, no matter the technique used, the most important thing is that it should help to tell the story effectively and engagingly.