Camera Shots and Angles

In this post I am going to show some camera shots and angles and explain the effect they can have on the film.

Low Angle
A low angle shot is a shot where the camera is placed below the characters eyes, looking up towards them to make the character look imposing, powerful, or scary, such as this shot of Batman.


High Angle
High angles are when the camera is looking down upon the character, making them look smaller, weaker or possibly inferior to other characters, such as this shot of The Avengers, which even makes superheroes look weaker and inferior.


180 degree shot
The 180 degree rule is a rule that dictates that if two characters are facing each other a line should be imagined between the characters faces, and that line should not be passed by the camera, unless it is part of the shot. This is because if the camera were to pass the line it would disorientate the viewer, it can be seen in use in this shot in The Shining.


Establishing shot
An establishing shot is a long or extreme long shot that shows the setting in which the characters are. It is used to tell viewers where the action is taking place, by showing them the surroundings. It is used well here in Skyfall.


Medium Shot
A medium shot is hard to define as it is somewhere between a long shot and a close up. It is used when there is a need to see the characters face and what they are doing with their bodies, such as in this shot of Katniss Everdeen.


Close up
A close up shot is used to show the characters facial expressions and allow for the viewer to see more detail on the characters face. these shots can be used to add greater insight into what the character may be thinking or feeling, such as is shown here with The Joker