Camera Shots

Depth of Field

This refers to the area in front of the camera that is sharp and is done by adjusting the focus on the camera. It is used to draw the audience's attention to a certain part of the frame. 

The depth of a field can either be deep or shallow,

Aerial Shot

This is an extremely high angle shot, that is generally taken from a helicopter. In a film, it generally establishes the location and setting in which it is taking place and creates This can also be referred to as 'birds eye view'.

Establishing Shot

This shot is similar to the aerial shot, in that it establishes the location and is generally the first shot of a new scene. It is a very wide shot or extreme wide shot. 

Hand Held Camera

This is when the camera is held by the camera operator and gives the effect that the audience is in on the action and seeing what the character is seeing. 

Tracking Shot

This is when the camera moves along the character/ object it is filming. It is commonly used to capture the moving action, like a chase scene. 

Long Shot

This shot generally is categorised as 'life size' in that it shows the full length human body whilst there is still lots of background still in the shot.

Medium Shot

This is most commonly used for exchanging of dialogue as it is from the characters waist/knees up. There is minimal going on in the background.

Close Up Shot

This shows very little of the background, but more of a face or detail of a mis en scene. The shot makes the object appear bigger as it magnifies it. It can be used to show an expression of a character or let the audience get a closer view of them making them feel comfortable or uncomfortable.