Shot typesClose ups:Close ups usually show the face or shoulders of a character with a small amount of head space. This prevents a thing called ‘floating head syndrome’

because the shoulders suggest to the brain that there is a body below. This kind of camera shot is most common and can help to display a great sense of emotion and help the audience to emotionally engage with the subject.

Extreme close up:They tend to focus on a particular part of a person e.g. face, mouth, eyes, hands or an animal or object. This gives a feel of intimacy between the audience and the character, object or animal. They can also help display various moods or emotions.

They can be intense when used in quick succession so sporadically using them is a better option. In general and extreme close up is probably too close to be used for general reactions or emotions and would be better suited for every dramatic scene.

Medium shot:The medium shot is defined as containing from the waist up of a subject. This is particularly ideal for when the subject is speaking or delivering information to another person, when the

fine detail isn’t required. It can also be useful when people are gesturing with their arms. There are some disadvantages to medium shots as they don’t show as much detail as close ups but introduce more of the background which could be distracting.

A 2-shot or a 3-shot: These shots are often wide or medium shots of two or three people in one scene. They are mainly used for interviews and to display a relationship between

subjects.

Long (wide) shot:A long shot is particularly effective for showing a large amount of background and

scenery. This helps to put the film into context this is why they are also known as establishing shots. Almost every TV programme or film starts with a long shot they are also used when the whole scene and background changes.

Extreme wide shot:This is for showing the main subject in the distance; this is used especially for enigma codes. This puts emphasis on showing the subject in his

or her own environment.

Over-the-shoulder shot:This is filmed just behind the subject over their shoulder as the shot name suggests. It usually shows the back of the subject’s head and sometimes

one shoulder. This is typically used to show conversation between 2 subjects.

Point of view shot:This is where the camera takes the perspective of the character. You see through the eyes of the character therefore you can identify with him/her. The person whose perspective it is from should never be seen in the shot. These add drama in chase scenes.

High angle:The camera looks down on the subject making it look smaller and less important.These allow the person to appear vulnerable.

Low angle:This is where the camera looks up on the subject. This shot makes the subject appear larger, more important and more dominant to the viewer.