1. Camera Movements
Definitions & Meaning

2. DEFINITION:
The horizontal movement of a camera from left to right or vice versa, where the camera base is static
DRAMATIC MEANING:
New information is revealed. It could be about the parameters of a location, an important clue, or a hidden character
Pan

3. Pan Example: Traffic

4. DEFINITION:
A camera movement in which the base remains stationary, but the head of the camera moves up and down
DRAMATIC MEANING:
Used as a reveal to- sizing up a building or another character
Tilt

5. Tilt Example: Raging Bull

6. Tracking Shot DEFINITION:
A camera movement where the camera follows the action on rails or tracks
DRAMATIC MEANING:
Often used to follow action
Tracking Shot

7. Tracking Shot Example

8. DEFINITION:
A platform on wheels, on which a camera can be placed in order to allow more freedom of movement during filming. Not restricted to simple rectilinear movements
DRAMATIC MEANING:
Used to follow action
Dolly

9. Dolly Example

10. DEFINITION:
The camera is placed on an arm and allows it to be lifted into the air, often for high-angle shots
DRAMATIC MEANING:
Can be used to reveal secrets and pertinent events
Crane

11. Crane Example: The Player

12. Steadicam DEFINITION:
Has the freedom of a handheld shot but its stabilisation device smoothes out the bumpiness of the handheld shot
DRAMATIC MEANING:
Can be used for point-of-view shots, but also used to suggest dreams and fantasies
Steadicam

13. Steadicam Example: Russian Ark

14. DEFINITION:
The camera is literally handheld by the camera operator. Often bumpy/jerky
DRAMATIC MEANING:
Often used to suggest instability
Handheld

15. Handheld Example: The Blair Witch Project

16. DEFINITION:
A single shot which moves towards a particular subject
DRAMATIC MEANING:
When done very quickly it can displace the audience, but it can also be used to concentrate the viewers’ gaze on something specific
Zoom

17. Zoom Example

18. Reverse Zoom DEFINITION:
A single shot which moves away from a particular subject
DRAMATIC MEANING:
When done very quickly it can displace the audience, but it can also be used to show the wider picture or context of an image
Reverse Zoom

19. Reverse Zoom Example: Vertigo