Camera Shots

There are many different types camera shots that are used within cinematics. The most commonly used camera shots are ELS, LS, MS, CU and ECU.

Extreme Long Shot (ELS)

In a extreme long shot the subject is small in the overall image. This framing is sometimes referred to as an Establishing Shot and is perfect for emphasising the background and environment the character is against. This shot can be taken from as much as a quarter of a mile away and is generally used as a scene-setting.

Long Shot (LS)

In a long shot the whole subject is in the frame. The main characteristic of a long shot is that the character's head and feet are nearly touching the top and the bottom of the frame. Within a long shot is is now easier to identify aspects of the character but it also retains the audiences awareness of the overall environment the character is in.

Medium Shot (MS)

In a medium shot approximately half of the subects body is in the shot. Medium shots are relatively good at showing facial expressions and at showing body language. There are a few variations of the medium shot. One is the two shot. This contains two figures from the waist up. Another variation is the over the shoulder shot. This shot positions the camera over behind one figure, revealing the other figure, and part of the first figures back, head and shoulder.

Close Up (CU)

In a close up, very little background is shown. The shot concentrates on either a face or a specific detail of something in the scene. Everything else is a blur in the background.  A close up is a very intimate shot and takes the audience into the mind of the character.

Extreme Close Up (ECU)

With an extreme close up,a small detail of the subject is framed which is often enlarged than actual life size. There is no background within an extreme close up. It is a very artificial shot and it can be used for a dramatic effect.