Shot Types

For the average viewer, there are only about three or four different shot types they could identify in a video.  For those of us in the business there are many more.  I count 15 last time I checked, but there may be others.  In the next couple of posts I’m going to talk through them and highlight possible uses for each one.

The choice of shot differs from person to person, that’s what makes movies by different directors all the more appealing.  They all see the same thing in different ways, and will want to portray that thing in their own particular style.  Choice of shot and camera angle are one of the ways different directors distinguish themselves from each other, and one of the ways they make the piece interesting.

So to the shots.

Extreme Wide Shot (EWS).  This shot covers a lot of ground and is most often used outside as an establishing shot.  Often the subject isn’t even visible in an extreme wide shot, but it can set the scene or give an idea of scope for a later shot.

Very wide Shot (VWS).  We have moved into the subject a bit here, but they are still in the background, and not the focus.  It is a continuance of the EWS, placing the subject in context or scale with the surroundings.  Often used is establishing shots for reality TV, where an EWS wouldn’t work.

Wide Shot (WS).  Similar to the long shot, where the subject takes up most of the frame.  To continue putting them in context with their surroundings, or to include activities around them in the shot.  Also used in reality TV a lot where a group of people are all in the scene.

Long Shot (LS).  Works the same as a wide shot, has the subject in full frame, but also includes the surroundings, including anything that is pertinent to the scene or makes for interesting viewing.  Useful for when you want to portray the subject being in the middle of the action.

Mid Shot (MS).  This is a half body shot, which half depends on what the subject is doing.  Most often this is a shot from the waist up, which also gives an impression of the whole body.  This is a popular one for news broadcasts.  Upper body only with a small space above the head at the edge of shot.

Medium Close Up (MCU).  This is a halfway house between a mid shot and a close up.  The subject fills the frame which is cut off high chest and leaves a little room above the head.  The standard new anchorman close up.  CU is often too close for studio work, so the MCU is used instead.

Those are just some of the camera shots possible in modern film making.  I will go through the others in my next post.  There is more to movie making than you think!