Camera Shot Sizes
Getting the shots
It all starts with choosing the right shot sizes to tell a visual story.
This is the first step in understanding and demonstrating your knowledge of shot sizes and how they are used to communicate the necessary information in a shot. When shots are "sequenced" together they then tell the fuller story of a scene. Films and television shows will consist of a variety of shot sizes as the story or topic unfolds.
Shot size refers to what will actually be seen in the frame or "field of view" of the shot.
In order for you to show your understanding and ability to shoot the specific shot sizes objects and animals will not work. People are used as a reference to keep the examples and understanding consistent.
Getting the shots
It all starts with choosing the right shot sizes to tell a visual story.
This is the first step in understanding and demonstrating your knowledge of shot sizes and how they are used to communicate the necessary information in a shot. When shots are "sequenced" together they then tell the fuller story of a scene. Films and television shows will consist of a variety of shot sizes as the story or topic unfolds.
Shot size refers to what will actually be seen in the frame or "field of view" of the shot.
In order for you to show your understanding and ability to shoot the specific shot sizes objects and animals will not work. People are used as a reference to keep the examples and understanding consistent.
Why are a variety of shot sizes chosen in any video or film?
1. Visually support the information that is required or intended to be seen at any specific time in a scene.
ie. Actions of characters, background information to reveal setting, show extreme or specific details
2. Adds visual interest to the video or film. Imagine a film shot using only 1 shot size - boring!
We want to see emotions or reactions closeups, we need to know where a scene is taking place
3. Allows for smooth visual flow through a scene in editing by varying shot size
1. Visually support the information that is required or intended to be seen at any specific time in a scene.
ie. Actions of characters, background information to reveal setting, show extreme or specific details
2. Adds visual interest to the video or film. Imagine a film shot using only 1 shot size - boring!
We want to see emotions or reactions closeups, we need to know where a scene is taking place
3. Allows for smooth visual flow through a scene in editing by varying shot size
Typical High Definition 16 x 9 video frame
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16 x 9 Aspect Ratio
Important technical Information
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7 Shot Size Summary
Camera shooting Basics Shots listed below from "tightest" to "widest" ECU - Extreme Close Up CU - Close UP MCU - Medium Close Up MS - Medium Shot MWS - Medium Wide Shot WS - Wide Shot XWS or EWS - Extreme Wide Shot |
Additional camera shot terminology:
Tight shot (eg. CU) - Lens is "zoomed in" to get closer or "tighter" shot of a subject. Not only is the shot "tighter" on the subject but it usually eliminates some of the background/setting information.
Wide Shot - Lens is "zoomed out" to get a wider shot of a subject. The shot will show more of the subject and usually reveal more of the background/setting information.
Note: Getting tighter or wider shot on a subject can also be achieved by getting closer or further away from the subject.
Tight shot (eg. CU) - Lens is "zoomed in" to get closer or "tighter" shot of a subject. Not only is the shot "tighter" on the subject but it usually eliminates some of the background/setting information.
Wide Shot - Lens is "zoomed out" to get a wider shot of a subject. The shot will show more of the subject and usually reveal more of the background/setting information.
Note: Getting tighter or wider shot on a subject can also be achieved by getting closer or further away from the subject.
Source: studio binder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyML8xuKfoc&t=1s |
Shot Sizes
An additional resource from studio binder |
Camera Composition
Knowledge of how to "compose" shots is critical for shooting professional looking video. Composition simply refers to where people and objects are placed in a shot. With knowledge of core composition concepts your video shots will look much better when they are employed.
The following presentation demonstrates the composition techniques that you will be expected to use in your assignments and projects.
Knowledge of how to "compose" shots is critical for shooting professional looking video. Composition simply refers to where people and objects are placed in a shot. With knowledge of core composition concepts your video shots will look much better when they are employed.
The following presentation demonstrates the composition techniques that you will be expected to use in your assignments and projects.
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Key Composition concepts:
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Additional shot composition resource |
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Rule of Thirds
Additional Resource A simple but effective demonstration of applying Rule of Thirds |
Rule of Thirds Activity
On a piece of paper sketch a specified shot size.
Tip: Use most of the page of paper but don't draw right to the edges. Leave room for labelling.
On a piece of paper sketch a specified shot size.
Tip: Use most of the page of paper but don't draw right to the edges. Leave room for labelling.
- In a 16x9 video frame include the following:
- The imaginary grid lines showing the rule of thirds
- The 4 points of interest
- Sketch a person Medium Shot placed on the Rule of Thirds - hint sketch the head first to help with proper Headroom
- Sketch with proper Headroom and indicate it on the sketch
- Indicate the leadroom in the frame
- Place a house or tree in the frame - position using ROT
Shot Size and Shot Composition Assignment
_assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles.docx | |
File Size: | 9 kb |
File Type: | docx |
_assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles.pages | |
File Size: | 809 kb |
File Type: | pages |
Shot examples
Good vs. Bad
Good vs. Bad
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Rule of Thirds
Shot Composition - where subjects and objects are placed in the frame for a visually pleasing shot. Rule of Thirds (ROT) is the one rule every person needs to know whether using a camera (video or photography) or as artists sketching and painting. It is the central concept for "framing" a shot that will result in professional and pleasing results. The good news_Framing a shot using the Rule of Thirds is easy!!! Composition and Shot Size practical demonstration of purpose and impact on the viewer Watch up to 8 mins. 10 sec. |
Source: Film Riot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWQQgZh9EyE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWQQgZh9EyE
Key concepts
Composing visually pleasing camera shots
Composing visually pleasing camera shots
- Rule of Thirds
- Headroom
- Lead room
- Camera Angles
- Foreground/Middle Ground/Background
- Leading Lines
Note:
Shot size terminology can vary depending on whether working in film or television.
The shot size document used on this page uses terminology commonly used in television.
In film:
"Wide Shot" is replaced by "Long Shot" (film term)
"Extreme Wide Shot" is replaced by "Extreme Long Shot" (film term)
Both terms are acceptable
Shot size terminology can vary depending on whether working in film or television.
The shot size document used on this page uses terminology commonly used in television.
In film:
"Wide Shot" is replaced by "Long Shot" (film term)
"Extreme Wide Shot" is replaced by "Extreme Long Shot" (film term)
Both terms are acceptable
Shot Composition
Where subjects and objects are placed within a camera shot.
Conscious decision to visually communicate the emotion or information within a scene
Where subjects and objects are placed within a camera shot.
Conscious decision to visually communicate the emotion or information within a scene
Key Concepts
Choosing which shot size to use will be decided by the action and the visual intent/emotion of a shot within a scene. Choosing shot sizes is a decision - not a randomly executed
7 Basic Shot sizes
Other Shot Compositions
a) 2 Shot - two people in the shot at the same time - Shows their interaction
b) Over the shoulder - sees two people in shot in conversations - the face of one person and the shoulder of the other
c) Point of View - the camera becomes the eyes of the viewer - puts viewer in the scene
Choosing which shot size to use will be decided by the action and the visual intent/emotion of a shot within a scene. Choosing shot sizes is a decision - not a randomly executed
7 Basic Shot sizes
- Extreme close-up - ECU
- Close up - CU
- Medium Close up - MCU
- Medium Shot - MS
- Medium WS (Cowboy) - MWS
- Wide shot - WS OR Long shot (LS - Film)
- Extreme Wide shot - XWS OR
Other Shot Compositions
a) 2 Shot - two people in the shot at the same time - Shows their interaction
b) Over the shoulder - sees two people in shot in conversations - the face of one person and the shoulder of the other
c) Point of View - the camera becomes the eyes of the viewer - puts viewer in the scene
Camera Movements
Rule of Thirds/Shot Size Assignment Activity 01:
Complete the activity below to demonstrate your understanding of Rule of Thirds - placement of subject and object (house, tree etc.)
This assignment will assist in evaluating your understanding of shot sizes, composition and Rule of Thirds
Complete the activity below to demonstrate your understanding of Rule of Thirds - placement of subject and object (house, tree etc.)
This assignment will assist in evaluating your understanding of shot sizes, composition and Rule of Thirds
Download Activity sheet below - Word document or Apple Pages
shot_size_rule_of_thirds_activity.docx | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |
shot_size_rule_of_thirds_activity.pages | |
File Size: | 1842 kb |
File Type: | pages |
Shot Size Assignment Activity 02:
This assignment will assist in evaluating your understanding of shot sizes, composition and Rule of Thirds
Be sure to include the copyright source for each image - see example below
This assignment will assist in evaluating your understanding of shot sizes, composition and Rule of Thirds
Be sure to include the copyright source for each image - see example below
Download a copy of the chart below - Word (.doc) or Pages (.pages)
You may use word or pages to complete the list of shots listed in the table
You may use word or pages to complete the list of shots listed in the table
edited_shortened_no_dof_assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles_copy.docx | |
File Size: | 9 kb |
File Type: | docx |
edited_shortened_no_dof_assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles_copy.pages | |
File Size: | 788 kb |
File Type: | pages |
One Example Image for Composition/Shot Size/Angle - to complete table above
A Summary
Shot Sizes and Camera Angles
Source: Film Riot - filmriot.com
An excellent filmmaking site
Note:
The term "Cameraman" in this video should be replaced by the term "Camera Operator"
All television and film production roles are gender neutral
An excellent filmmaking site
Note:
The term "Cameraman" in this video should be replaced by the term "Camera Operator"
All television and film production roles are gender neutral
Composition, Shot Size and Camera Angle Assignment
1 Mark for each
1 Mark for each
1_assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles.docx | |
File Size: | 9 kb |
File Type: | docx |
assignment_camera_composition_shot_sizes_angles.pages | |
File Size: | 774 kb |
File Type: | pages |
In-Class Only
Shot Size/Composition
Practical Camera Assignment
The objective of this assignment is for students to visually demonstrate the knowledge of Shot sizes and shot composition. Students will shoot video or take photos that demonstrate their knowledge and ability to apply these camera shot skills. These skills form the basis for shooting visually pleasing still images or video clips.
Shots must be of a person (Unless an extreme close up)
Assignment Requirements - either photos or video:
Step 1 Reserach - "training the eye":
Download 7 images form the internet that you consider excellent examples of varied shot sizes and shot composition.
1. Identify the shot size
2. Identify the shot composition techniques as discussed in the lesson
Load images into word or what will work for you using your technology.
Beside each image provide brief notes as to why the images are a good representation of varied shot
You will submit 7 downloaded images for this portion of the assignment.
Submit as a word processing file if needed or better yet as a .pdf
Step 2 - Applying your visual understanding of shot sizes and shot composition
1. Use all 7 basic shot sizes at least once
2. Use Rule of Thirds for every shot (all 10)
3. Show the correct headroom for each shot
4. All shots must have depth (foreground/middleground/background) - do not shoot against walls!
5. Use of leading lines will add to the visual depth of a shot
You will submit 10 images you take for this portion of the assignment.
All 10 shots will be evaluated on the the use of all shot sizes and application of shot composition concepts.
Shot Size/Composition
Practical Camera Assignment
The objective of this assignment is for students to visually demonstrate the knowledge of Shot sizes and shot composition. Students will shoot video or take photos that demonstrate their knowledge and ability to apply these camera shot skills. These skills form the basis for shooting visually pleasing still images or video clips.
Shots must be of a person (Unless an extreme close up)
Assignment Requirements - either photos or video:
Step 1 Reserach - "training the eye":
Download 7 images form the internet that you consider excellent examples of varied shot sizes and shot composition.
1. Identify the shot size
2. Identify the shot composition techniques as discussed in the lesson
Load images into word or what will work for you using your technology.
Beside each image provide brief notes as to why the images are a good representation of varied shot
You will submit 7 downloaded images for this portion of the assignment.
Submit as a word processing file if needed or better yet as a .pdf
Step 2 - Applying your visual understanding of shot sizes and shot composition
1. Use all 7 basic shot sizes at least once
2. Use Rule of Thirds for every shot (all 10)
3. Show the correct headroom for each shot
4. All shots must have depth (foreground/middleground/background) - do not shoot against walls!
5. Use of leading lines will add to the visual depth of a shot
You will submit 10 images you take for this portion of the assignment.
All 10 shots will be evaluated on the the use of all shot sizes and application of shot composition concepts.
Check out this young filmmaker's advice
Hollywood Filmmaking
What does it take to become a Hollywood film camera operator?
Check it out!
2 interesting film/video production articles from the Banff Centre
https://www.banffcentre.ca/
An excellent site for those interested in filmmaking. These article talk about the importance of relevant and engaging visuals to help tell the story. The first story speaks about the use of shot sizes to express the meaning of the story being told. Short articles worth reading.
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/7-video-editing-tips-professionals
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/great-video-needs-more-just-great-story
https://www.banffcentre.ca/
An excellent site for those interested in filmmaking. These article talk about the importance of relevant and engaging visuals to help tell the story. The first story speaks about the use of shot sizes to express the meaning of the story being told. Short articles worth reading.
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/7-video-editing-tips-professionals
https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/great-video-needs-more-just-great-story