Name Of Shot | Description of shot in relation to subject | Use In Storytelling |
Extreme Close-up(XCU) | Part of the face takes up the entire screen. (eyes, mouth e.g.) | Gets inside the head of the character |
Close-up(CU) | Whole face takes up screen | Reveals characters emotional state. |
Medium Close-up(MCU) | Head and shoulders in frame | subjects emotions +surroundings. |
Low Angle LA High angle HA | Waist/knees upwards. | Shows what characters are in power and who are not. Intimidated or intimidator. |
Extreme Long Shot (XLS) | Only scenery visible, Characters barely or not visible. | Used as an establishing shot. |
Medium Shot (MS) | One or two characters in frame from waist height or sometimes over the shoulder of one of the characters (OOS) | Often used as a master shot/Two shot/shot-reverse for conversations |
Pan/ Tilt | camera moves across the horizon/camera moving up and down. | Mimics a static character looking around. |
Track (on a Dolly, steadicam or handheld | camera follows subject moving along with them | audience is following the action, more involved. |