Camera shots

Photography-Camera Shots.

The next thing that I will look at for my magazine, is the type of shots that can be taken with a camera. This is so that I can decide which I think will be the best for my front cover image for my magazine.


#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)





#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.






#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.





#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.





#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.





#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.

#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

#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.