Camera Movements

There are many different types of camera movements that film makers use. The most commonly used are Panning, Tilts, Dolly shots, Hand Held shots, Crane shots and Aerial shots.

Pan

Panning is a camera movement technique that involves moving the camera horizontally to the right or left. With this technique you can track an object or follow any type of movement. A pan shot can be done hand held or with a tripod.

Tilt Movement

The tilt shot is similar to the pan shot, but the tilt shot moves vertically instead of horizontally. Like the pan shot, the tilt shot can be done hand held or with a tripod.

Dolly Shots

The camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very smooth movement. Also known as a tracking shot or trucking shot.

Hand Held Shots

Hand held shots serve to create a more “home made” or dramatic feel to a shot. Hand held cameras denote a certain kind of gritty realism, and they can make the audience feel as though they are part of a scene, rather than viewing it from a detached, frozen position.

Crane Shots

A crane shot is a shot taken by a camera on a crane. This crane can move in virtually any direction. Because of its elevated angle and mobility, the shot can give a dynamic overview of its subject.

Aerial Shots

Aerial shots are usually done with a crane or with a camera attached to a special helicopter to view large landscapes. This sort of shot would be restricted to exterior locations. A good area to do this shot would be a scene that takes place on a building. If the aerial shot is of a character it can make them seem insignificant.