In Focus: Camera Angles

Extreme Long ShotSometimes called “Establishing Shot”Usually covers a large area - distantOften used when location (setting) is important

Westerns, Epics, War films, historical moviesD.W. Griffith, Akira Kurosawa, Steven Spielberg

Long ShotApproximately the distance between the audience and stage in a live theater.(Full Shot) just barely includes a full length body. Head near the top of the frame, feet at the bottomCharlie Chaplin because the shot would capture pantomime and facial expression

Medium ShotFigure from the knees or waist upUseful for shooting exposition scenes, movement, and dialogueTwo- shot: Contains two figuresThree-Shot: Contains three figures (beyond that – becomes full shot)

Over-the-Shoulder Shot

Two figures One with part of his or her back to the cameraThe other facing the camera

Close-UpShows very little, concentrates on a relatively small object (human face)Since the shot magnifies the object it often elevates its importance or signifies symbolic significance.Extreme close-up: Might show just a person’s eyes.

Same reasons as close-up

Deep-Focus/Wide Angle Shot

Long shot that consists of a number of focal distances and photographed in depth.Sometimes called a Wide Angle shot because it requires a wide-angle lens to photograph. Objects are in sharp focus while background is carefully arranged to guide the viewer’s eyes from one distance to another.

Bird’s Eye ViewCaptures a scene from completely overheadSubject may seem unrecognizable and abstractSeems to be an all-knowing God-like perspectiveNot often used, but directors like Alfred Hitchcock will use it to revolve around the theme of fate, for example.

Since people look like ants.

High-Angle ShotNot as extreme as birds eye view.Placed on a crane or another naturally high promontory (ridge, hill, etc)Gives sense of general overview but not necessarily fate, or God-likeLocation important: seems to “swallow” people, who then seem harmless or insignificant photographed from above

Oblique AngleA lateral tilt of the cameraMan will look as though he’s about to fall to one sideSometimes used for point of view shots to suggest the imbalance of a drunk, for exampleOblique angles suggest transition, tension, and impending movementNot used often. Maybe in movies with violence to showcase disorientation

Avoiding AnglesSome directors avoid sharp angles because they can be too manipulative and judgmental.Yasujiro Ozu treated his characters as equals, neither corrupt or virtuous

Kept his camera dispassionate and neutralEye level shots