Shot Types

…common types of shots, framing and picture composition

Telling a story through images

A photograph has the ability to convey emotion, mood, narrative, ideas and messages – all of which are important elements of story telling.

Every photographer has their reasons for “taking pictures” or more precisely, for recording a moment in time to be shared later.

The information recorded in a photograph is a unique event, never to be repeated - ever.

If a photographer captures too much information in a shot, the impact of the story is lost and once again, they’ve missed the chance to tell a story.

If a photographer misses important

Information in a shot, they’ve missed the

chance to tell a story.

EWS (Extreme Wide Shot)

The view is so far from the subject that he isn't even visible. Often used as an establishing shot.

The point of this shot is to show the subject's surroundings.

The EWS is often used as an "establishing shot" - the first shot of a new scene, designed to show the audience where the action is taking place.

WS (Wide Shot)

The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as comfortably possible. AKA long shot.

MS (Medium Shot)

Shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject.

In fact, this is an approximation of how you would see a person "in the flesh" if you were having a casual conversation. You wouldn't be paying any attention to their lower body, so that part of the picture is unnecessary.

As well as being a comfortable, emotionally neutral shot, the mid shot allows room for hand gestures and a bit of movement.

MCU (Medium Close Up)

Half way between a MS and a CU.

This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.

CU (Close Up)

A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame.

A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state. Whereas a medium or wide-shot is more appropriate for delivering facts and general information, a close-up exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.

ECU (Extreme Close Up)

The ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail. You would normally need a specific reason to get this close. It is too close to show general reactions or emotion except in very dramatic scenes.

Cut-In or Insert

Shows some (other) 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.

Two-Shot

A shot of two people, framed similarly to a medium shot.

Two-shots are good for establishing a relationship between subjects. A two-shot could also involve movement or action. It is a good way to follow the interaction between two people without getting distracted by their surroundings.

(OSS) Over-the-Shoulder Shot

Looking from behind a person at the subject. The head and shoulder of the person with their back to the camera frames the subject.

Point-of-View Shot (POV)

Shows a view from the subject's perspective.