Camera work (movement & angles)

Camera angles

Extreme long shot (XLS)

The extreme long shot occurs when a camera captures an image from a distance. It is used to create a feeling of scope or magnitude, where a human figure or object may appear small. For example, in this picture we can see a figure standing by the basketball net, which emphasises the size of the houses and sky.

Long shot (LS)
A long shot usually shows all or most of a subject - a person, for example - and usually most of the surroundings. It is most often used to establish a setting. In this picture we can define that the subject is standing in a school playground, as we can see the building quite clearly behind her.

Medium long shot (MLS)

With the medium long shot, a figure is captured almost in full, but their feet & ankles are cropped at the bottom of the frame. In some social themed documentaries, this is used to keep social circumstances, rather than an individual, as the centre of attention.

Close up

A close up is where the camera focuses on an object or an individual, and is often used to convey emotional reactions through facial expression. From this picture, we could suggest that the subject is hiding herself behind her hair through shyness, or some other cause.

Eye level
The eye level shot is used to show what the subject, or character, may be seeing. For example, this shot was taken directly from the height at which I looked through the camera lens.

High angle

The high angle shot is when the camera is above the eye line, looking down upon the person or subject, making it/them look smaller. In the case of a person, having the camera at a high angle gives the impression that they are inferior or vulnerable.

Low angle

The low angle shot is where the camera is placed below a person or object, looking up. It can be used to make a person look more powerful, and give authority.

Camera movement

Zoom

Zooming is where the camera focuses in or out of a subject, and can be used to create tension; zooming out can also be used to reveal something which was previously unseen.

Pan

Panning is when the camera is turned or pivoted, often used to reveal more about an area or setting. For example, in this video the use of panning reveals that there is a tree to the right of the screen.

Tilt

This is where the camera is tilted on its axis, and vertical lines appear slanted to one side. This can be used in suspense films to create a sense of unease.

Crab

The crab shot is simply where the camera is moved from left to right, or visa versa, usually following something or someone.

Tracking shot

The tracking shot is where the camera is being moved smoothly towards or away from a subject, and it can be used to draw the viewer closer, or create emotional distance.

Arc shot
This involves circling a subject as they move, which often intensifies the sense of vulnerability in the character.

Right, well, right now it seems I can't upload any more of the videos, for some reason.
However, when I can, the rest shall be added.
Thanks,

-jessica.