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 shots fall somewhere in between, putting emphasis on the subject
while still showing some of the surrounding environment.
It’s important to note that the following shot types only relate to subject size within the frame,
and don’t directly indicate what type of lens is used to capture the scene. The choice of lens—and,
thus, the distance of the camera from the subject—remains an artistic decision for the Director and/or
Director of Photography.
Extreme Long Shot (aka Extreme Wide Shot)
Used to show the subject from a distance, or the area in
which the scene is taking place. This type of shot is particularly useful for establishing a scene
(see Establishing Shot later in the article) in terms of time and place, as well as a character’s
physical or emotional relationship to the environment and elements within it. The character doesn’t
necessarily have to be viewable in this shot.
Long Shot (aka Wide Shot)
Shows the subject from top to bottom; for a person, this would be head to toes, though not
necessarily filling the frame. The character becomes more of a focus than an Extreme Long Shot,
but the shot tends to still be dominated by the scenery. This shot often sets the scene and our
character’s place in it. This can also serve as an Establishing Shot, in lieu of an Extreme Long Shot.
Full Shot
Frames character from head to toes, with the subject roughly filling the frame. The emphasis
tends to be more on action and movement rather than a character’s emotional state.
Medium Long Shot (aka 3/4 Shot)
Intermediate between Full Shot and Medium Shot. Shows subject from the knees up.
Cowboy Shot (aka American Shot)
A variation of a Medium Shot, this gets its name from Western films from the 1930s and 1940s,
which would frame the subject from mid-thighs up to fit the character’s gun holsters into the shot.
Medium Shot
Shows part of the subject in more detail. For a person, a medium shot typically frames them
from about waist up. This is one of the most common shots seen in films, as it focuses on a
character (or characters) in a scene while still showing some environment.
Medium Close-Up
Falls between a Medium Shot and a Close-Up, generally framing the subject from chest or
shoulder up.
Close-Up
Fills the screen with part of the subject, such as a person’s head/face. Framed this tightly,
the emotions and reaction of a character dominate the scene.
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 shots fall somewhere in between, putting emphasis on the subject
while still showing some of the surrounding environment.
It’s important to note that the following shot types only relate to subject size within the frame,
and don’t directly indicate what type of lens is used to capture the scene. The choice of lens—and,
thus, the distance of the camera from the subject—remains an artistic decision for the Director and/or
Director of Photography.
Extreme Long Shot (aka Extreme Wide Shot)
Used to show the subject from a distance, or the area in
which the scene is taking place. This type of shot is particularly useful for establishing a scene
(see Establishing Shot later in the article) in terms of time and place, as well as a character’s
physical or emotional relationship to the environment and elements within it. The character doesn’t
necessarily have to be viewable in this shot.
Long Shot (aka Wide Shot)
Shows the subject from top to bottom; for a person, this would be head to toes, though not
necessarily filling the frame. The character becomes more of a focus than an Extreme Long Shot,
but the shot tends to still be dominated by the scenery. This shot often sets the scene and our
character’s place in it. This can also serve as an Establishing Shot, in lieu of an Extreme Long Shot.
Full Shot
Frames character from head to toes, with the subject roughly filling the frame. The emphasis
tends to be more on action and movement rather than a character’s emotional state.
Medium Long Shot (aka 3/4 Shot)
Intermediate between Full Shot and Medium Shot. Shows subject from the knees up.
Cowboy Shot (aka American Shot)
A variation of a Medium Shot, this gets its name from Western films from the 1930s and 1940s,
which would frame the subject from mid-thighs up to fit the character’s gun holsters into the shot.
Medium Shot
Shows part of the subject in more detail. For a person, a medium shot typically frames them
from about waist up. This is one of the most common shots seen in films, as it focuses on a
character (or characters) in a scene while still showing some environment.
Medium Close-Up
Falls between a Medium Shot and a Close-Up, generally framing the subject from chest or
shoulder up.
Close-Up
Fills the screen with part of the subject, such as a person’s head/face. Framed this tightly,
the emotions and reaction of a character dominate the scene.
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