Camera Techniques

Cut-In     Similar to a Cutaway, but shows a Close-Up shot of something visible in the main scene. Cutaway     A shot of something other than the subject and away from the main scene. It is usually followed  by a cut back to the first shot and is useful for avoiding a jump cut when editing down a section  of dialogue, or editing together two separate takes. Establishing Shot     Usually the first shot of a scene, this is used to establish the location and environment.  It can also be used to establish mood and give the audience visual clues regarding the time  (night/day,year) and the general situation. Because they need to provide a great deal of information,  Establishing Shots are usually Extreme Long Shots or Long Shots. Master Shot     Term given to a single, uninterrupted shot of a scene. This shot can be the only shot used by a  director to cover a scene, or edited togeth...

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. High Angle     Subject is photographed from above eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject  seem vulnerable, weak, or frightened. Low Angle     Subject is photographed from below eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject  look powerful, heroic, or dangerous. Dutch Angle/Tilt     Shot in which the camera is set at an angle on its roll axis so that the horizon line is not level.  It is often used to show a disoriented or uneasy psychological state. Over-the-Shoulder Shot     A popular shot where a subject i...

 The Nomenclature Of The Basic Types Of Camera Shots      One of the first things students are taught in film school is the nomenclature of the basic types of camera shots. This common language is essential for writers, directors, camera operators, and cinematographers to effectively communicate visual elements of a shot, particularly the size of a subject—often a person—within the frame. Provided here is a list of the essential shot types that you need to know, along with a brief description. Shots indicating subject size     There are many ways in which you can frame your subject, from seeing their entire body to only their eyes. Generally speaking, we can break this down into three main shot sizes:   Long, Medium, and Close.  Long shots (also commonly called Wide shots) show the subject from a distance, emphasizing place and location, while Close shots reveal details of the subject and highlight emotions of a character. Medium...

Proper framing The first thing to learn is how to frame your subject.  If you’re a still photographer you’ll already know about the rule of thirds.  This works for film-making as well. The rule of thirds  The rule of thirds was first written down by John Thomas Smith in 1797. In his book  Remarks on Rural Scenery,  Smith quotes a 1783 work by Sir Joshua Reynolds, in which Reynolds discusses, in unquantified terms, the balance of dark and light in a painting.Smith then continues with an expansion on the idea, naming it the "Rule of thirds": Two distinct, equal lights, should never appear in the same picture : One should be principal, and the rest sub-ordinate, both in dimension and degree : Unequal parts and gradations lead the attention easily from part to part, while parts of equal appearance hold it awkwardly suspended, as if unable to determine which of those parts is to be considered as the subordinate. "And to giv...