Introduction to Video Communications

Types of Camera Shots 1. EXTREME WIDE SHOT ( EWS )  Shows the subject’s surroundings  Also called establishing shot – the first shot of a new scene to show the audience where the action is taking place.

Types of Camera Shots 2. VERY WIDE SHOT ( vws )  The subject is barely visible but emphasis on the subject’s environment.  Plenty of room for action, or for multiple subjects to appear.  Subject takes up ¼ - ½ of the frame

Types of Camera Shots 3. WIDE SHOT ( WS )  The subject takes up the majority of the frame  Lots of room for movement of subject.

Types of Camera Shots 4. MID SHOT ( MS ) mid body to above head  Shows mid body to above head news broadcasts  Often used in news broadcasts.

Types of Camera Shots 5. MEDIUM CLOSE-UP ( MCU ) above head to upper chest  Approx. from above head to upper chest some background  Shows expressions, some background

Types of Camera Shots 6. CLOSE-UP ( CU )  Part of the subject takes up most of the frame  Close up of a person emphasizes emotions and expressions.

Types of Camera Shots 7. EXTREME CLOSE-UP ( ECU )  Used for isolating detail in a scene  Hard to capture reactions or emotions from this close

Types of Camera Shots 8. OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT ( OSS )  Looking at the subject from behind a person

Types of Camera Shots 9. TWO SHOT  Two people comfortably fit in the frame  Establishes relationship between subjects  Used for interview or discussion

Types of Camera Shots 10. POINT-OF-VIEW SHOT ( POV )  Shows a view from the subject’s perspective  Make it obvious whose POV it is.

Basic Camera Handling Here are a few camera techniques you should know: 1. PANNING side to side.  Camera swivels from side to side.  This move is similar to standing in one place and turning your head.

Basic Camera Handling 2. TRUCKING  Camera sits on a tripod and rolls from side to side.  Good movement to use when following alongside someone walking or running.

Basic Camera Handling 3. DOLLYING rolls towards or away  Camera rolls towards or away from subject (on tripod). Gives the viewer the impression they are walking nearer or farther from subject.

Basic Camera Handling 4. ZOOMING  When zooming, the camera does not move.  The camera’s lens setting changes to make an object appear closer or farther away from the camera.  Use with care – avoid too quickly  Use with care – avoid zooming in and out too quickly.

Video Tips: Tripod Always maintain a steady camera by using a tripod. Always maintain a steady camera by using a tripod. You can also steady your camera using your hands and arms. You can also steady your camera using your hands and arms. Use a piece of furniture or a wall to stay steady Use a piece of furniture or a wall to stay steady

Video Tips: Angles/Heights Don’t film everything Don’t film everything at eye-level. Too many shots at the same height are boring. Too many shots at the same height are boring. Try different angles and heights to create visual interest audience isn’t used to. Try different angles and heights to create visual interest & show subjects in ways your audience isn’t used to.

Video Tips: Angles/Heights To make your subject appear small, weak, insignificant, try a downward angle To make your subject appear small, weak, insignificant, try a downward angle To make your subject appear large, powerful, mighty, try an upward angle To make your subject appear large, powerful, mighty, try an upward angle

Video Tips: Natural Framing Use elements of your surroundings to frame shots (trees, windows, buildings, etc.). Use elements of your surroundings to frame shots (trees, windows, buildings, etc.). Natural framing makes the audience feel like they are part of the scene. Natural framing makes the audience feel like they are part of the scene.

Video Tips: Rule of Thirds Divide your frame into thirds, vertically and horizontally. Divide your frame into thirds, vertically and horizontally. When filming, try to place subjects at specific points in the frame. When filming, try to place subjects at specific points in the frame. Creates powerful visual interest. Creates powerful visual interest.

Video Tips: Rule of Thirds Objects placed at the dead centre of the screen tend to look boring. Objects placed at the dead centre of the screen tend to look boring.

Video Tips: Move subjects a little off-centre and things start to look good! Move subjects a little off-centre and things start to look good!

Video Tips: Sometimes the rule can be broken... Sometimes the rule can be broken... powerful or unusual. Centering a subject can work well when the subject is powerful or unusual.