Types of Camera Shots
The camera shot refers to the amount of space the viewer sees in a specific frame. The photographer usually chooses a specific camera shot to depict things about the character, scene, or theme to the audience. Similarly, camera angles are different ways of positioning the camera to further emphasize emotions and relationships. You can choose from many shots and lens angles, each of which can tell a story in its own way. On the other hand, the Coverage refers to the collection of shots that need to be collected during the shooting process in order to produce a coherent scene together in the post-production process. For example, when shooting a scene with two people, your coverage may include five different types of shots: a main shot, a pair of over-the-shoulder shots, and a pair of close-ups for every speaker.
Furthermore, taking a photo or video shot requires the amount of light that the film must receive to be properly exposed (neither too dark nor too bright). Three parameters are essential to measure the light received by the film: the sensitivity of the film, the aperture, and the exposure time. Then the photographer is offered the choice of the plan scale of the shot. There are different defined types. These include:
1. Diving shot
This refers to a shot from above which usually causes a crushing effect of the perspective. It also gives a feeling of confinement, narrowness, and difficulty of the subject. The diving shot can be used, among other things, to express a character's point of view or to bring the subject back to a state of detail in the shot.
2. The low angle shot
This type of shot will tend to increase the importance of the subject in the shot. This may be desired, for example, to give an impression of importance, superiority or power.
3. The close-up shot
This is a type of shot that captures people or objects at close range, with the purpose of picking up the tiny details of the object. The composition of this shot is tight and occupies most of the screen, because it is usually used to frame the character's face so that the audience can see what type of emotion is being conveyed. In addition to being used as a tool to evoke the character's emotional state, the close-up shot is also used to display details or information about objects or film settings. Furthermore, this shot type is often used to show viewers that they should pay attention to certain themes or symbols throughout the film.
4. The large wide shot (GPG) and the wide shot (PG)
In these two shots, an attempt is made to frame as much of the scene as possible. The difference between GPG and PG is that human figures are barely distinguishable in the Large General Plane and the General Plane (PG) is often used to contextualize crowds or entire locations.
5. General plane shot
To carry this shot out, large angles are usually used that allow framing more portion of reality. Generally, a shot of this type helps to contextualize the scene and let the viewer know where the events occur. Therefore it has a descriptive value.
6. The first-person shot
This is a type of shot that depicts what the character or object is looking at. It is usually taken with a camera with the same field of view as the character. Whether it is a head-mounted or chest-mounted camera, or any other self-installed camera system, there are multiple shooting methods. It is usually merged through editing, first capturing the shot of the character looking at something, and then capturing the reaction shot of the character.
7. High angle shot
High-angle is a shooting technique in which the camera is pointed at the object from the top. This type of shooting is used to make the subject or object below appear fragile, powerless or weak. In horror movies, this camera angle is usually used to express the camera's sense of rights to the subject below. Other messages that can be conveyed from a high angle include: danger, depression, and electric shock. When shooting at a high angle, this will make the audience assert that they have the point of view of the "power" character, thus gaining a subjective camera view. In addition, high-view shooting can also provide an overview of the scene itself, so that the viewer can better understand where the film is placed-possibly providing them with a new perspective.
8. Low angle shot
This shot entails positioning the camera at a low place below the eyeline level on the vertical axis and looking up at the object or character above. This camera angle evokes psychological effects by making the object above the camera look stronger. In addition, the use of low-angle shooting may make the "hero" of the film appear fragile and give viewers a sense of connection with characters that usually seem unstoppable. Another common way to use this angle is to increase the perceived height of the object, because when shooting the object from a low angle, the object appears to be much larger than it actually is.
9. Bird's eye shot
This is a type of shot in which the camera is located above the top of the head and captures the actions occurring below. In this day and age, these types of shots are usually taken with drones in order to be able to fully understand what is happening below. In various different types of film works, in addition to being used as a transitional shot to show what is happening in the scene from a bird's-eye view, a bird's-eye shot is also used to determine the position of the shot to provide background information. These types of shots are often used in movies, and the location of each scene plays a key role in the narrative. However, although it is possible to capture such shots on a drone, it is also possible to capture a bird's-eye view from the top of a high plane (such as a skyscraper or bridge).
10. Pan shot
This is a shooting technique in which the camera is usually placed at a fixed position on a tripod. Next, it is rotated left and right on a horizontal surface. This type of shooting is very suitable for revealing landscapes or people.
11. The medium close-up shot
This type of shot encloses the subject's head and cuts in the middle of the chest. Emphasis is also placed on the subject, showing only a small amount of the surroundings. This type of shot is often used for interviews in documentaries and news programs.
12. Detail plan shot
This shot allows for showing of objects, parts of the actor's body or of some living being. For example, focus on the actress's hands and other parts in detail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are interested in audiovisuals and cinema, it is essential that you know the different types of cinematography shots . This is quite important because, each type of shot affects a scene in a different way, both narratively and expressively. By knowing the typology of shots, you will also be able to better understand the cinematographic language and consequently convey what you want to have with your film or photo correctly.