Research into Different Camera Shots

Wide Shot:
Shows the whole scene, all subjects/ elements are in the shot, establishes a setting. Known as an establishing shot.
 

 Long Shot:
Typically shows the entire object or human figure and is usually intended to place it in some relation to its surroundings. 

 Medium Shot:
Action shot, generally from the waist up, a shot where you are able to identify with a subject, character or thing.

Close Up:
Head and shoulders shot; the emotion shot; an expression shot; the detail shot, the reaction shot.

Extreme Close Up:
Only a part of the face or body or element fills the whole shot. A part of the subject usually dominates the screen.

High Angle Shot:
Camera looking downwards, generally shot from just above head height. Can make a subject look vulnerable.

Birds Eye View:
Very high camera angle shot downwards towards the subject from a building, ladder or balcony.

Low Angle Shot:
Camera tilted looking upward towards a subject. Can make a subject look powerful.

Worms Eye View:
Very low camera angle shot looking up from ground level. A mini tripod comes in handy for this type of shot.

Point of View Shot:
A subjective shot taken from the point of view of a participant or character in the action. Eg. Subject looking at a watch.

Action Shot:
Generally a mid shot capturing the action. Eg running down stairs. A POV or reaction shot can follow.

Reaction Shot:
Reaction shots result from an action or series of action shots. They allow an audience to identify more closely with a character. There are physical reaction shots and emotional reaction shots.

Two Shot:
Generally a profile shot of 2 people facing, possibly engaging in conversation. Can be shot from a variety of angles.

 

Over The Shoulder Shot:
Generally used for dialogue exchange. Head and shoulder shot of the speaker with shoulder and back of head of listener in foreground. This shot can be a variation of a Two Shot.


Reverse Shot:
The reverse of the Over the Shoulder Shot.


Cut Away Shot:
A shot that cuts away to action that is not part of a sequence but is related.
Eg. Burglar breaking into a house; cut away shot to dog barking in back yard.