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 and thoughts of the character. |
Close-up (CU) | Whole characters face takes up screen. | Reveals characters emotional state. |
Medium Close-up (MCU) | Characters head and shoulders in frame. | Subjects emotions and a little of their surroundings. |
Low Angle (LA) High angle (HA) | Waist/knees upwards. | Shows if and which characters are in power and whose 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 the character. | Audience is following the action, more involved. |