Download Shot Types

Shot Types
…common types of shots, framing and
picture composition
Telling a story through images
 A photograph has the ability to convey
emotion, mood, narrative, ideas and
messages – all of which are important
elements of story telling.
Every photographer has
their reasons for “taking
pictures” or more
precisely, for recording a
moment in time to be
shared later.
 The information recorded
in a photograph is a
unique event, never to be
repeated - ever.
If a photographer misses important
Information in a shot, they’ve missed the
chance to tell a story.
If a photographer captures too much
information in a shot, the impact of the story is
lost and once again, they’ve missed the
chance to tell a story.
EWS (Extreme Wide Shot)
 The view is so far from the subject that he
isn't even visible. Often used as an
establishing shot.
The point of this shot is to
show the subject's
surroundings.
The EWS is often used as an "establishing shot" - the first shot of a new scene,
designed to show the audience where the action is taking place.
WS (Wide Shot)
 The subject takes up the full frame, or at least
as much as comfortably possible. AKA long
shot.
MS (Medium Shot)
 Shows some part of the subject in more detail
while still giving an impression of the whole
subject.
As well as being a
comfortable, emotionally
neutral shot, the mid shot
allows room for hand
gestures and a bit of
movement.
In fact, this is an approximation of how you would see a person "in the flesh" if
you were having a casual conversation. You wouldn't be paying any attention to
their lower body, so that part of the picture is unnecessary.
MCU (Medium Close Up)
 Half way between a MS and a CU.
This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.
CU (Close Up)
 A certain feature or part of the subject takes
up the whole frame.
A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state. Whereas a medium
or wide-shot is more appropriate for delivering facts and general information,
a close-up exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. The viewer
is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.
ECU (Extreme Close Up)
 The ECU gets right in and shows extreme
detail. You would normally need a specific
reason to get this close. It is too close to
show general reactions or emotion except in
very dramatic scenes.
Cut-In or Insert
 Shows some (other) part of the subject in
detail.
Can be used purely as an edit point, or to emphasise emotion etc.
For example, hand movements can show enthusiasm, agitation, nervousness, etc.
Two-Shot
 A shot of two people, framed similarly to a
medium shot.
Two-shots are good for establishing a relationship between subjects. A two-shot
could also involve movement or action. It is a good way to follow the interaction
between two people without getting distracted by their surroundings.
(OSS) Over-the-Shoulder Shot
 Looking from behind a person at the subject.
The head and shoulder of the person with
their back to the camera frames the subject.
Point-of-View Shot (POV)
 Shows a view from the subject's perspective.