Camera shots.
There are many types of shots that can be used for the main image and the images throughout the magazine. I will discuss these shots, talking about how they are appropriate or inappropriate for the magazine to give clear representation to the theme which the magazine follows.
#1- Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
This shot is taken from a distance to show the surroundings of the photograph, and is not intended for the main subject of the image. It is used often as an 'establishing shot'-the first shot of a new scene, to show the audience where the action is taking place.
It is also known as an extra long shot (ELS) or extreme long show (XLS)
-This shot would not be appropriate for my magazine unless discussing an area like this in my double-page spead, as it is too far away for a main image shot on the cover, and would not be suitable for a contents page.
#2-Wide Shot (WS)
In this shot, the subject of the image takes up the full frame. In this example, the girl's feet are almost at the bottom of the frame, and her head is almost at the top. She does not take up the whole width and height of the frame, since this is as close as we can get without losing any part of her from the photograph. The spaces below her feet and above her head are known as 'safety room', as this is just the right amount for the girl to comortably fit into the picture without getting cut out of it.
Some people would see this shot as a Very Wide Shot (VWS)-much closer to the subject than an Extreme Wide Shot, yet still much further away than a Wide Shot. The emphasis here is, rather than seeing the subject, focused more on placing her in the environment. This also allows plenty of room for action to take place, or for multiple subjects to appear on screen.
-This shot is too far away, though the subject is clearer than the last. It is possibly suitable for a contents page, but not for a double page spread, as is not giving enough detail on the subject to relate to the topic.
#3-Mid Shot (MS)
The Mid Shot shows some part of the subject in more detail, whilst still showing enough for the audience to feel they are looking at the whole subject. This is an approximation of how you would see someone if having a conversation with them, as you would not pay attention to the lower part of their body, so that part of the picture is not needed.
This shot is best used when the subject is not showing too much emotion or concentration. The purpose is to deliver information, which is why it is frequently used by news presenters. Often, you will see a story begin with a MS of a news reader (providing information), followed by closer shots of interview subjects (to show emotion and reaction).
As well as being a comfortable, emotionally neutural shot, the MS allows for some movement and hand jestures.
-This shot is suitable for both a main image and double page spread, as it gives just enough detail to show the subject, whilst not being too close to make it inappropriate. It can also be used for a contents page.
#4-Medium Close-Up (MCU)
The medium closeup is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.
-This shot captures just enough detail to show the subjects emotions and appearance. It relates to a subject clearly, so can be used for the cover, the double page spread and the contents page. It is the perfect shot to use.
#5-Close Up (CU)
In the close-up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up the majority of the frame. A close-up of a person usually means a close-up of their face (unless specified otherwise.)
Close-ups are useful for showing detail and can be used as a cut-in (Like a Cutaway, but specifically refers to showing some part of the subject in detail.
Can be used purely as an edit point, or to emphasise emotion etc. For example, hand movements can show enthusiasm, agitation, nervousness, etc.)
Close-ups also exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.
-This shot is a little too close for a contents page or double page spread, as it gives too much detail on the subject's face rather than showing actions with their whole body to relate to the subject. However, it can still be used as a main image just to show facial expressions if appropriate.
#6-Cut Away (CA)
A cutaway is a shot that's usually of something other than the current action. It could be a different subject (eg. this cat when the main subject is its owner), a close up of a different part of the subject (eg. the subject's hands), or just about anything else.
-This shot is not really appropriate for any of the pages, as it does not directly relate the main image to the audience. The only time it would be appropriate is if it was related to the theme.
#7- Over-The-Shoulder Shot
-This should is only appropriate if an interview is taking place, yet does not properly show both subjects so is questionable. It would be better to show both subjects directly, so would not be appropriate for a cover or contents page.
-This shot is not appropriate unless again relating to a subject mentioned. That is the only time it would be appropriate for the cover or double page spread.
Of the shots which I have studied, the Mid shot, Medium shot, and Close-up are the best to use for the pages I am designing, as they are direct and give just enough detail for the audience to understand, they can relate to a theme that is mentioned in the magazine, and show just enough emotion to appeal to the audience. These are shots which I will think about when capturing my images.
#1- Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
This shot is taken from a distance to show the surroundings of the photograph, and is not intended for the main subject of the image. It is used often as an 'establishing shot'-the first shot of a new scene, to show the audience where the action is taking place.
It is also known as an extra long shot (ELS) or extreme long show (XLS)
-This shot would not be appropriate for my magazine unless discussing an area like this in my double-page spead, as it is too far away for a main image shot on the cover, and would not be suitable for a contents page.
#2-Wide Shot (WS)
In this shot, the subject of the image takes up the full frame. In this example, the girl's feet are almost at the bottom of the frame, and her head is almost at the top. She does not take up the whole width and height of the frame, since this is as close as we can get without losing any part of her from the photograph. The spaces below her feet and above her head are known as 'safety room', as this is just the right amount for the girl to comortably fit into the picture without getting cut out of it.
Some people would see this shot as a Very Wide Shot (VWS)-much closer to the subject than an Extreme Wide Shot, yet still much further away than a Wide Shot. The emphasis here is, rather than seeing the subject, focused more on placing her in the environment. This also allows plenty of room for action to take place, or for multiple subjects to appear on screen.
-This shot is too far away, though the subject is clearer than the last. It is possibly suitable for a contents page, but not for a double page spread, as is not giving enough detail on the subject to relate to the topic.
#3-Mid Shot (MS)
The Mid Shot shows some part of the subject in more detail, whilst still showing enough for the audience to feel they are looking at the whole subject. This is an approximation of how you would see someone if having a conversation with them, as you would not pay attention to the lower part of their body, so that part of the picture is not needed.
This shot is best used when the subject is not showing too much emotion or concentration. The purpose is to deliver information, which is why it is frequently used by news presenters. Often, you will see a story begin with a MS of a news reader (providing information), followed by closer shots of interview subjects (to show emotion and reaction).
As well as being a comfortable, emotionally neutural shot, the MS allows for some movement and hand jestures.
-This shot is suitable for both a main image and double page spread, as it gives just enough detail to show the subject, whilst not being too close to make it inappropriate. It can also be used for a contents page.
#4-Medium Close-Up (MCU)
The medium closeup is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.
-This shot captures just enough detail to show the subjects emotions and appearance. It relates to a subject clearly, so can be used for the cover, the double page spread and the contents page. It is the perfect shot to use.
#5-Close Up (CU)
In the close-up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up the majority of the frame. A close-up of a person usually means a close-up of their face (unless specified otherwise.)
Close-ups are useful for showing detail and can be used as a cut-in (Like a Cutaway, but specifically refers to showing some part of the subject in detail.
Can be used purely as an edit point, or to emphasise emotion etc. For example, hand movements can show enthusiasm, agitation, nervousness, etc.)
Close-ups also exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.
-This shot is a little too close for a contents page or double page spread, as it gives too much detail on the subject's face rather than showing actions with their whole body to relate to the subject. However, it can still be used as a main image just to show facial expressions if appropriate.
#6-Cut Away (CA)
A cutaway is a shot that's usually of something other than the current action. It could be a different subject (eg. this cat when the main subject is its owner), a close up of a different part of the subject (eg. the subject's hands), or just about anything else.
The cutaway is used as a "buffer" between shots (to help the editing process), or to add interest/information.
-This shot is not really appropriate for any of the pages, as it does not directly relate the main image to the audience. The only time it would be appropriate is if it was related to the theme.
#7- Over-The-Shoulder Shot
Looking from behind a person at the subject, cutting off the frame just behind the ear. The person facing the subject should occupy about 1/3 of the frame.
This shot helps to establish the positions of each person, and get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.
A variation of this shot can be a bit wider and include the shoulder of the person facing the subject
-This should is only appropriate if an interview is taking place, yet does not properly show both subjects so is questionable. It would be better to show both subjects directly, so would not be appropriate for a cover or contents page.
#8-Point-Of-View Shot (POV)
Shows a view from the subject's perspective. This shot is usually edited in such a way that it is obvious whose POV it is (see the example below).
These are all shots from different perspectives and angles to give different effects, depending on the theme and situation of the photograph. I will consider all of this, and whether it is appropriate or not for my magazine cover.
-This shot is not appropriate unless again relating to a subject mentioned. That is the only time it would be appropriate for the cover or double page spread.
Of the shots which I have studied, the Mid shot, Medium shot, and Close-up are the best to use for the pages I am designing, as they are direct and give just enough detail for the audience to understand, they can relate to a theme that is mentioned in the magazine, and show just enough emotion to appeal to the audience. These are shots which I will think about when capturing my images.
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