Camera work

We where asked to do a shooting exercise in groups. We had to produce different types of camera moves and camera shots. I learnt how to produce these by still image and moving image. I have made a list of the moves and shots we learnt about, so I can look back on what shots/moves I would like to put in my short film. 

Camera moves:

Pan – a movement which scans a scene horizontally (left to right) often used to follow a moving object.

Tilt - a movement that scans a scene vertically (up and down)

Dolly – the camera is placed on a moving vehicle and moves alongside the action, generally following a moving figure or object.

Hand-held – the camera can be moved in and out of a scene with speed. Hand-held camera crate a gritty realism and they can make the audience feel as though they are part of a scene.

Zoom – a zoom lens contains a mechanism that changes the magnification of an image

Aerial – an exciting variation of a crane shot, usually taken from a helicopter. This is often used at the beginning of a film in order to establish setting and movement.

Camera shots:

Long shot – used to let viewers know who is involved in a scene and where they are located.

Medium long shot – a closer view of the character whilst still providing a view of the location.

Medium shot – shows facial expressions gestures and movements

Medium close up – shows details of people or objects and to eliminate all non-essential details.

Close up – facial expressions

Extreme close up – expressions, for example an eye

Two shot – two key characters are shown

High angle – looking down at the subject, can create the illusion that the subject is small, weak, threatened or lonely.

Low angle – below the subject, makes it appear stronger, more impressive or threatening.