This document defines and describes various shots and camera angles used in filmmaking. A long shot establishes the scene and shows subjects and their surroundings. A medium shot frames subjects from head to waist. A medium close-up is tighter than a medium shot, framing from just above the head to just below the chest. A close-up reveals a character's feelings by framing from just above the head to just below the chin. An extreme close-up often shows details like eyes, mouths, or hands to convey feelings. Other shots include two-shots of two subjects and three-shots of three subjects. Common angles are eye-level, side angles at 45 degrees, low angles shooting upward to exaggerate power, and high

1. Shots and Angles
Adapted from Gactaern.org

2. Long Shot
 It establishes the scene
 Shows subjects in their
surroundings
 Tells the viewer where the
action is taking place

3. Medium Shot
 Framing is usually
set so that the
top of the frame
is just above the
head and the
bottom of the
fame is just below
the waist

4. Medium Close-up
 Tighter than a medium shot
 The top of the frame is just
above the character’s head
and the bottom of the
frame is just below the chest

5. Close-up
 Used to reveal a character’s feelings.
 The top of the frame is just above the
character’s head and the bottom of
the frame is just below the chin.

6. Extreme Close Up
Often used to reveal feelings to provide the
audience with a view of a specific detail
Examples include a person’s eyes, mouth, or
hands, or an inanimate object such as the
contents of a letter

7. Long Shot Medium Shot
Extreme Close-upMedium Close-up
Close-Up Shot

8. Two-Shot
 Shows two persons in a shot

9. Three-shot
 Shows three persons in a shot

10. Eye Level
Most commonly used angle
Whether the subject is
standing or seated and
regardless of how small
or tall your subject may
be.

11. Eye Level

12. Side Angle
The camera is placed at eye level, but usually at
a 45 degree angle from the subject. The
audience views the action but is not directly
involved in the action.

13. Low Angle
 The camera is placed below the subject
and is aimed up (shoots upward).
 This angle exaggerates height and can give
the impression that the subject is larger and
more powerful.

14. Low Angle

15. High Angle
 The camera is above the
subject matter and is aimed
down (shoots downward).
 This angle has the effect of
reducing the apparent
height of the subject &
gives the impression that
the subject is smaller and
less powerful.

16. High Angle