Camera Terms

FRAMING

How the camera is positioned in relation to the distance from the subject or the composition of the subjects/objects in the frame.

MOVEMENT

A camera will move in a certain way to help underline a part of the narrative.

HIGH ANGLE

Taken from ABOVE the subject/object and used to help represent an element of vulnerability, weakness of the subject in the frame but also the possible power of whose POV it might be filmed from.

LOW ANGLE

Taken from BELOW the subject/object and used to help represent an element of power, domination of the subject in the frame but also the possible subservient nature of whose POV it might be filmed from.

POV

Point of View - the audience see the action through the eyes of a character. Used to create a sense of responsiblity in the audience which can at times be uncomfortable.

CANTED ANGLE

A frame that is slightly slanted - this can help represent a discombobulated and uneasy atmosphere.

FRAME WITHIN A FRAME

A frame that is used to bring attention to the object/subject that adds emphasis to its presence i.e. a character filmed through a window frame draws the eye to its presence.

CLOSE UP

Camera distance that include head and shoulders to enable the audience to see relevant facial expressions that will represent and reinfoce the character's role and personality in the narrative.

LONG SHOT/WIDE ANGLE

Camera distance used to ensure that audience can place a subject/object in context of its surroundings. Could be used to show the vastness of a landscape.

MASTER/ESTABLISHING SHOTS

Set shots that are used to remind the audience of particular locations and help hook the narrative to key settings.

CRANE/AERIAL/DRONE

A high shot taken from the sky looking down or across a wide area. Helps to create a sense of time and place.

TRACKING/DOLLY

The camera will move around either on parallel tracks or a more loose dancing fashion. Helps to represent a sense of journey, travelling and also might help reveal location, setting, characters and events as they appear in the frame.

TILT

Camera moves in one plane either from top to bottom or bottom to top of an object/subject to help reveal its form and function. Traditionally used for regressive representation of the female form to objectify and sexualise them.

PAN/WHIP PAN

The camera will move from left to right across a location, subject, object. Helps to reveal key characters, events etc. If done quickly, the Whip Pan can create an energy, power and sense of confusion.

PED

Unlike the Tilt, a ped will move in one plane vertically at the same distance. Used to help represent a sense of reveal or links two places together i.e. different floors in a house.

TWO SHOT

Usually used to introduce two characters and show how their relationship. Combined with proxemics i.e. where the characters are in the frame in relation to each other - this can help represent how characters feel about each other.

MID SHOT

The distance required to frame a subject from their stomach up to and including their face. Helps convey the character's facial expressoin along with some of their body language and costume. Often used on the front of magazines.

DEPTH OF FIELD/FOCUS

A portion of the frame is blurred out whilst other elements are clearly defined. Designed to help draw attention to an important feature in the frame.

RULE OF THIRDS

Where the subject/object are placed within the frame to draw the eye to particular important elements - the 3 columns and 3 rows = 9 squares and encourage the human eye to focus on particular elements.

PROXEMICS

How objects and subjects are placed in relation to each other in the frame to help represent relationships.