Medium Long Shot (aka 3/4 Shot) Intermediate between Full Shot and Medium Shot. The emphasis tends to be more on action and movement rather than a character’s emotional state. This can also serve as an Establishing Shot, in lieu of an Extreme Long Shot.įull Shot Frames character from head to toes, with the subject roughly filling the frame.

This shot often sets the scene and our character’s place in it. The character becomes more of a focus than an Extreme Long Shot, but the shot tends to still be dominated by the scenery. Long Shot (aka Wide Shot) Shows the subject from top to bottom for a person, this would be head to toes, though not necessarily filling the frame. The character doesn’t necessarily have to be viewable in this shot. This type of shot is particularly useful for establishing a scene (see Establishing Shot later in the article) in terms of time and place, as well as a character’s physical or emotional relationship to the environment and elements within it. With that in mind, on to the list!Įxtreme Long Shot (aka Extreme Wide Shot) Used to show the subject from a distance, or the area in which the scene is taking place. The choice of lens-and, thus, the distance of the camera from the subject-remains an artistic decision for the Director and/or Director of Photography. It’s important to note that the following shot types only relate to subject size within the frame, and don’t directly indicate what type of lens is used to capture the scene. Medium shots fall somewhere in between, putting emphasis on the subject while still showing some of the surrounding environment. Long shots (also commonly called Wide shots) show the subject from a distance, emphasizing place and location, while Close shots reveal details of the subject and highlight emotions of a character. Generally speaking, we can break this down into three main shot sizes: Long, Medium, and Close. There are many ways in which you can frame your subject, from seeing their entire body to only their eyes. For the purpose of this article, it will focus mostly on subject size and camera angle and ignore camera movements, such as tracking shots, dolly in, etc.

Provided here is a list of the essential shot types that you need to know, along with a brief description. This common language is essential for writers, directors, camera operators, and cinematographers to effectively communicate visual elements of a shot, particularly the size of a subject-often a person-within the frame.

One of the first things students are taught in film school is the nomenclature of the basic types of camera shots.

Cut in shot