Clever Cameras

Below are some very strategically used camera shooting methods of which the directors behind the cameras have planned very carefully. When we watch the box, scarcely do we think of every component making up the show, or of the work that goes in behind the scenes, but after researching the cause a little, I can now tell you that our emotions and reactions would not be effected in the same way without this planning of the camera angles.

Extreme Long Shot:
This is much like a long shot, however can be taken from even further back, up to a quarter of a mile to be exact. What is it's relevance you may ask?... to set a scene. We want to know a little context backing the character, i.e. their surroundings. where they live, do they live in the country? do they live in the midst of war? Peace?...e.t.c.

Close up:
Remember in Wayne's world when garth said "extreeeeeemmmeeee clooosseeeupppp!!!"... yeah, pretty much. A close up basically refers to the camera zooming in or becoming closer to a certain protagonist and/or object. It's use is to show us detail on a more technical level, or otherwise to create more audience anticipation and suspense. its also used in comic strips... "funnily" enough. ha. ha.

Medium shot:
Ok, so, the lines between a medium shot and a close and long shot have sometimes become blared, but to put it as simply as possible, a medium shot is a shot taken from a medium distance. In europe, we recognise it as a shot from the waste up, however, it can also be known as a full body shot.

Long Shot:
Also known as a wide shot or a full shot, the long shot is like an extreme shot, however not as 'extreme'. It shows a background or setting relating to the protagonist, or that particular point in the movie. It also requires a 'wide angle' lens F.Y.I.

Two Shot:
Two shot, Two people. The two shot encompasses two people on the screen so that we can see both their reactions. This is pretty important because in order to find something realistic and almost conversation like, both peoples reaction's should be documented. there are 'two' types of 'two' shot, containing 'two' people.

• An "American two shot" shows the two heads facing each other in profile to the camera.
•  In a "two shot west", one character will turn 180° and face away from the other character while they continue to talk, which enables both characters to appear together in a single shot facing the audience.

Aerial shot:
A shot taken from well above the setting, using a helicopter or crane. Used a lot in action movies to show the movement of a car or a building where it's headed to. Not recommended for use on people... they are too small.

Point of view shot:

Also known as POV shot or a subjective camera, this is a shot from the point of view of the protagonist. It obviously gives us better insight into the protagonist, as in their situation, their personality and their emotions at that time. 

Over the shoulder shot:
This is the most common shot when following a conversation between two characters. It allows us to see the one character's reaction whilst allowing us to see what the other is doing e.g possibly holding a gun at the first character. and guess where it's taken from?!... Over the shoulder of the protagonist. Who'd have thunk? 

So, as you can see, movies aren't all glamour. There's a lot of detail and planning that goes in behind the scenes to make us happy. Camera men, we applaud you.