1. In Focus: Camera Angles

3. Extreme Long Shot Sometimes called “Establishing Shot” Usually covers a large area - distant Often used when location (setting) is important Westerns, Epics, War films, historical movies D.W. Griffith, Akira Kurosawa, Steven Spielberg

5. Long Shot Approximately the distance between the audience and stage in a live theater. (Full Shot) just barely includes a full length body. Head near the top of the frame, feet at the bottom Charlie Chaplin because the shot would capture pantomime and facial expression

7. Medium Shot Figure from the knees or waist up Useful for shooting exposition scenes, movement, and dialogue Two- shot: Contains two figures Three-Shot: Contains three figures (beyond that – becomes full shot)

9. Over-the-Shoulder Shot Two figures One with part of his or her back to the camera The other facing the camera

11. Close-Up Shows very little, concentrates on a relatively small object (human face) Since the shot magnifies the object it often elevates its importance or signifies symbolic significance. Extreme close-up: Might show just a person’s eyes. Same reasons as close-up

13. Deep-Focus/Wide Angle Shot Long shot that consists of a number of focal distances and photographed in depth. Sometimes called a Wide Angle shot because it requires a wide-angle lens to photograph. Objects are in sharp focus while background is carefully arranged to guide the viewer’s eyes from one distance to another.

15. Bird’s Eye View Captures a scene from completely overhead Subject may seem unrecognizable and abstract Seems to be an all-knowing God-like perspective Not often used, but directors like Alfred Hitchcock will use it to revolve around the theme of fate, for example. Since people look like ants.

17. High-Angle Shot Not as extreme as birds eye view. Placed on a crane or another naturally high promontory (ridge, hill, etc) Gives sense of general overview but not necessarily fate, or God-like Location important: seems to “swallow” people, who then seem harmless or insignificant photographed from above

19. Oblique Angle A lateral tilt of the camera Man will look as though he’s about to fall to one side Sometimes used for point of view shots to suggest the imbalance of a drunk, for example Oblique angles suggest transition, tension, and impending movement Not used often. Maybe in movies with violence to showcase disorientation

21. Avoiding Angles Some directors avoid sharp angles because they can be too manipulative and judgmental. Yasujiro Ozu treated his characters as equals, neither corrupt or virtuous Kept his camera dispassionate and neutral Eye level shots