Shot Types
BackgroundThe angle and position of the camera helps tell the story.
A shot refers to taking video from a particular position; a particular distance and angle to the subject in the scene. One scene can contain multiple shots depending on the story to be communicated. PerspectiveUnderstanding something from one perspective provides one way of seeing. Seeing something from different perspectives can add to our understanding. This is not a new issue; perspective in videography has existed and been considered for years. However, most learners don’t understand how techniques can be used to achieve this.
TypesIt will be useful to have a vocabulary which can be used to describe the various positions of the camera, below is a list of possible shot types:
B-Roll B-roll is any video footage with additional images that supports the storyline. Establishing Shots Establishing shots give the audience a sense of time and place and bring them into the story. These are often wide angle shots that cue the viewer as to the time and place and any important contextual information that is needed to understand the rest of the story. Wide Shot A video or photo done with a a wide field of view (wide angle lens) encompasses a large area that often communicates a sense of location. This type of shots takes in all the action or scene. Side Shot A side shot is a video clip with the subject's profile from the side this might communicate contextual clues only available from that angle or it might provide a different perspective on the profile of the object or person. Medium Shot A medium shot is one at a medium distance, so not closeup but not wide angle either, an example might be getting a torso shot of a person doing a cooking show. This shot tends to focus on the subject from the waist up. Closeup A shot that get in closer to the person or object than a wide angle or medium shot, might include head and shoulders of person or piece of the action - perhaps a focus on on a detail. Extreme Closeup This is a shot that perhaps focuses on a small aspect of a face or details on an object - perhaps the look in the eye or the shape of the mouth, etc. Dolly or Tracking A shot where the camera moves with the subject to help communicate movement in the scene and to put the audience into the kinesthetic action. Trucking These are shots that follow action. or scanning over objects. Tracking These are shots that put the camera in the point of view of one of the subjects or put the viewer into the action of the shot. Zoom In and Out The camera field of view shrinks and expands so that the eye can focus on different elements of the scene. One potential problem with this process is the exposure could change. High Angle This is a shot where the camera is looking down at a subject - perhaps to suggest height or communicate a lower status. Low Angle This is a view looking up at the subject - to suggest higher status or perhaps suggest height. Panning This is when the camera rotates horizontally - to reveal different artifacts in a sequential manner rather having the audience take it all in at once - and may help focus on individual people or items in a sequential manner. Panning can follow a subject or take in more of the scene. Practice the pan - remember to check the edges of the frame for unwanted artifacts. Tip: To get a cheap solution for smooth panning - with a tripod, try a using and strong rubber band rather than your hand - this will help with the ease in and out of the pan and give steadier movement. Tilt This is when the camera angles up and down - to reveal different artifacts in a sequential manner rather having the audience take it all in at once - and may help focus on individual people and may help position artifacts in relation to other items or people in the scene. Dutch or Angle This puts the camera on a tilted angle rather than flush with horizon - to communicate something not quite right or a sense of foreboding. Complimentary Angle These are shots that are meant to mirror each other in terms of their perspective and angle (example different scenes). Could be used to transition from one scene to the next during editing process. Check out this video clip as an example: POV (point of view) This is when the camera is put in a position that simulates the eyes of one of the subjects. Birds-eye View This is when the scene is shot from up above to give the impression of a bird's eye view or perhaps like you are eves dropping on a scenario or to reveal a larger context. Here is an example: Worm's-eye View This is when the scene shot from below the talent or objects to make it look like you are below or subjugated by the talent or objects. Rack Focus (Pull Focus) This is a shot where the focus changes from one object to another during - to highlight the focus from an individual/s or object/s to another for the sake of changing what the audience will key in on. Depth of field Changing what is in focus in the scene (with F-stop) - to focus the audiences' attention on that subject in focus. Closing Shot Get a video footage that will be the closing shot of sequence - that is what people will take away from your story. This should bring the message home. Resources |
purposeDifferent types of video shots add interest and introduce different perspectives.
Here is a video showing the basic types of video shots:
Variety is keyBelow is a list of ways to make editing more powerful in the way the footage is captured:
Tips
The story determines the type of shot. MultiCamsThere are two ways to achieve multishot sequences, the easiest is to use multiple cameras. Traditionally this is called A and B roll (A being one camera and B being another camera). The caveat here is that you need software that will synch the audio (depending on the types of shots). The other option is to have the talent perform the action multiple times to get all the camera angles (continuity is important so background and actions should be as similar as possible). Having good B-roll footage will help with transitions and add variety and perspective
Shot Type and SIGNIFICANCEThe type of shot selected will play a role in the significance of the message.
If you want professional results for smoothly moving the camera then a device like the Poicket jib might be the answer:
Yes, it is involved and costs a bit but the results are great.
180 Degree RuleTo capture conversational video clips is useful to maintain the 180-degree rule as explained in the video below:
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