Cinematography

Micro elements

During the creation of a film the micro elements need to be carefully considered. The micro elements are the shot types and camera movements.

Close Up

A close up is when an object takes up most of the frame. In films close ups are usually used to show a characters emotion or to give the audience some kind of hint or clue by using a mundane object.

Extreme Close Up

An extreme close up is when a certain part of an object/person takes up the majority of the frame. It is used to show extreme detail. As this shot is too close to show general reactions or emotion it is only really used to show detail that is either important to the plot or to create a certain effect/

Medium Shot

A medium shot is when the person/object takes up a large percentage of the frame but some background can still be seen. This is commonly used to show a character talking. A reason this shot is so effective when showing a character conversation as it is roughly the approximation of how you would see a person if you were having a conversation with them.

Long Shot

A long shot when referring to a person/object is when the person/object takes up almost the full frame height. In other situations a long shot is simply a wide shot of a whole scene, where  the subjects are placed  in their environment.

Point Of View

A point of view shot is when the shot shows a view from a subjects perspective. This shot is used to create a personal connection between the audience and the subject as its like we are seeing the scene through their eyes.

Low Angle

A low angle shot shows the subject from below. This shot is usually used to establish power and dominance.

High Angle

A high angle shows the subject from above; the camera is angled down towards the subject. This shot is used to make the subject appear  less powerful, vulnerable and even submissive.

Over The Shoulder

An over the shoulder shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame. This shot is used usually in a conversation and is similar to a POV shot as it helps create a personal connection between the audience and the subjects as you can see what they see.  In an over the shoulder shot it is common to cut between the subjects during a conversation, alternating the view between the different speakers.

Establishing Shot

An establishing shot is a shot that establishes the setting. They are usually used during the opening scenes of a film and are usually extra long shots.

Crane Shot

Tilt

Pan

A pan shot is a horizontal camera movement in which the camera moves left and right about a central axis. This is a swiveling movement which is able to happen as the camera is  in a fixed location on a tripod. This shot is usually used 

Tracking Shot 

Steadicam

In 1975 The Steadicam was invented by cameraman Garrett Brown. It is a type of camera stabilizer that mechanically isolates the camera from the operator's movement which allows a smooth shot even when moving. A good example of where a steadicam has been used in film is the chase scene in the shinning.