10 Shot Types

10 Shot Types

Medium shot - Brings the perspective into view at a closer angle to demonstrate characters emotions around each other and enough space for actions to be made around a specific part of the area filmed. In Zodiac the investigators are all sitting around a table conversing about the latest victim, each one can be viewed with emotion towards the crimes bringing their teamwork together showing they are all involved.

Extreme Close Up - This shot is used for an intensly dramatic effect, picking up the closest details on a characters facial expression. With this shot from Wayne's World, the character is being zoomed in on to dramatise his expression for a comedic effect.

Close Up - Used to preview the background but give whatever character or subject the power in the frame and demonstrate their mood in the surroundings. In the film Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, the lady shown in the shot is completely aloof to her atmosphere as which looks empty apart from her, however this cleverly sets up the scene for an unexpected attack from a serial killer.

Long Shot - Displays the area around the character(s) of importance and their body language. A test shot is used to here, no real meaning behind it however things can still be determined such as he is alone and looks like he's waiting for something.

Establising Shot - Sets the whole scene progressively or still framed, usually symmetrical to bring out depth in the shot. In this scene the man and woman are centered to show a deep connection as the establishing shot moves away from them this suggests a loss for both of them.

High Angle Shot - Makes the subject look small compared to something else's perspective, takes away their power from the scene. In scrubs the nurse is telling the reciptionist man what she has to do all day and he is just listening and not doing anything on a high angle shot showing he has no power in the conversation and she has it all.

Low Angle Shot - Gives the subject power over everyone else and suggests they own control in the frame.

Very Long Shot - Opens up the whole area setting to perspective usually to gain some essence of the overall mood and atmosphere, good for groups or displaying a small object with huge impact.

Over The Shoulder Shot - For conversation to gain different perspective from both characters, show's reaction to topics and what emotion is conveyed by both.  

Two Shot - Gives a connection to two characters in the frame, shows that there is something they are both involved in.

Tilted Frame - Discombobulating enough to describe a chaotic sitution literally being turned upside down. Great use of this shot in The Raid 2 when a gangster jumps through a window and the camera tilts as it bursts through it and lands on the ground.

My own demonstration of 10 different shot types is available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Sytd3JAwXE