Shot types and camera angles

High angle

This angle looks down on someone, it makes the person or object small and insignificant. This is used in a TV drama when they want to know someone has more power than someone else.

Low angle

This angle looks up on something or someone making it look bigger than it really is. It is the opposite of a high angle. It is commonly used in TV shows when they want someone to look big and powerful.

Slanted angle

A slanted angle shows an object or someone from an unnatural point of view. It can be used in a drama to show things only the audience can see.

Eye level

An eye level angle shows the object of the picture looking directly at you, this shows that he or she has the same amount of power as you. However in some magazines it is used to show sexual tension when it is used with models.

Aerial shot

A view from above, it could be a place or a scene for a movie. It shows everything t hat is happening from a birds eye view. It shows the audience everything that is happening at once. A crane shot is used to achieve this type of shot.

Close up shot

Close up shots are used to show an object in such detail that it blurs the background around the image. However it can also be used in a drama or film to get close to the actors so that the audience feel almost involved in what is happening.

Long shot

Takes a picture from a distance, it shows a whole setting. It could be used to show a full scene or an actors full body.

Medium shot

A medium shot is usually from the targets head down to his or her torso. This to show the targets body as well as there face. This type of shot is often used in magazines.

Wide shot

This shot is commonly used to show a target and a large setting behind them. The main point of this shot is to try to see the setting more than the target. Moreover it is also used to see large distances.

Two shot

A two shot is mostly used in TV dramas w here it shows friends side by side. However it can also be used show relationships. The main purpose of this shot is for the audience to see what sort of relationship the characters have between them.

Over the shoulder

Taken from behind a subject to see someone else. It is sometimes used in dramas to show someone's facial expression. It is more commonly used for when two people are having a conversation.

Point of view

This shows the view point of an actor. You can usually see the actors feet or hands in the picture so that you know straight away what sort of shot it is. It is sometimes used in films to show someone's eyesight as blurry, if they are becoming uncurious.