Shot Composition and
Standard Shots
Types of Shots
Described by Size
Shots Described by Size
• Extreme wide shot (EWS) shows a broad view of the
surroundings around the character and coveys scale, distance, and
geographic location.
• Wide shot (WS) shows an entire character from head to toe.
• Medium wide shot (MWS) shows a character usually cut off
across the legs above or below the knees. It is wide enough to show
the physical setting in which the action is taking place, yet it is close
enough to shot facial expression.
• Medium shot (MS) shows a character’s upper-body, arms, and
head.
• Close-up shot (CU) shows a character’s face and shoulders. It is
close enough to show subtle facial expressions clearly.
• Extreme close-up shot (ECU) shows only a part of a character’s
face. It fills the screen with the details of a subject.
Types of Shots
Described by Angle
Shots Described by Angle
Vertical camera angles. Moving the camera around the
subject vertically while aiming at the subject creates
different camera angles below:
• High angle. The camera is placed above eye level,
looking downward. A high angle shot can make a
character look smaller, younger, weak, confused, or
more childlike.
• Eye level. Most commonly used.
• Low angle. The camera is placed below eye level,
looking upward. A low angle shot can make a character
look bigger, stronger, or more noble. It also gives the
impression of height.
Shots Described by Angle
Horizontal camera angles - Moving the camera around
the subject horizontally while aiming at the subject
creates different camera angles below:
• Frontal. The frontal angle tends to flatten the three
dimensionality of facial features and environments.
• Three-quarter front. The three-quarter front angle is
more often used than the frontal angle or profile because
it shows more depth and volumes.
• Profile. A view from the side.
• Three-quarter rear.
• Rear.
Horizontal Framing Concerns
Leading Room or Looking Room. When a person is looking
toward the edge of the frame rather than straight into the camera,
image composition is more pleasing if room is allowed in the
direction they are facing. For example, a person shown in frontal
view might be centered in a shot but a person shown in threequarter front should be framed off center to allow looking room.
Vertical Framing Concerns
Headroom. The distance
between the top of a
person’s head and the
top of the frame is called
headroom. When a
director calls for more or
less headroom it is a
handy way to direct the
camera operator to tilt up
or tilt down.
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
Imagine your picture area divided into
thirds both horizontally and vertically. The
intersections of these imaginary lines
suggest four options for placing the center
of interest for good composition. The
option you select depends upon the
subject and how you would like that
subject to be presented.
The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
Point of View Shots
In a point of view (POV) shot, the camera is
placed at the eye position of a character.
Class Exercise
Have two group members sit or stand looking at each
other having a conversation.
1. Shoot a Two Shot
2. Shoot a Medium Close-Up of each of the two.
3. Shoot an Over the Shoulder Shot from each side.
4. Repeat until all group members have had a turn
operating the camera and have recorded all 5 shots.
Two Shot
Two Shot
Medium Close-Up
Medium Close-Up
Over the Shoulder Shot
Over the Shoulder Shot
Class Exercise
Have two group members sit or stand looking at each
other having a conversation.
1. Shoot a Two Shot
2. Shoot a Medium Close-Up of each of the two.
3. Shoot an Over the Shoulder Shot from each side.
4. Repeat until all group members have had a turn
operating the camera and have recorded all 5 shots.