FST 200 Framing

Extreme Long Shot

Where the human figure is lost or tiny. Used in landscapes, bird’s-eyes views of cities, and other vistas.

Long Shot

Where the figures are more prominent but the background still dominates.

Medium Long Shot

Where the human figure is framed from the knees up.

Medium Shot

Where the human figure is shot from the waist up.

Medium Close Up

Where the human figure is framed from the chest up.

Close Up

Where the human figure is shot showing just the head, hands, feet, or other small object. Emphasizes facial expressions, details of gestures, or a significant object.

Extreme Close Up

Where the shot singles out a portion of the face or isolates and magnifies an object.

Aspect Ratio

The ratio of frame width to frame height.

Aspect Ratio of 1.17:1

Early sound films

Aspect Ratio of 1.37:1

Academy ratio

Aspect Ratio of 1.85:1

Common North American ratio

Aspect Ratio of 1.66:1

Common European ratio

Aspect Ratio of 1.75:1

Widescreen 16×9 (common European ratio)

Aspect Ratio of 2.35:1

Anamorphic widescreen

Aspect Ratio of 2.2:1

70mm widescreen

Low Angle

Below, shooting up at the human subject

High Angle

Above, shooting down at the human subejct

Straight-On Angle

Shooting at eye level of the subject

Low Camera Height

Camera is closer to the floor, usually making it seem as though we are below the subject

High Camera Height

Camera is far from the floor usually making it seem as though we are above the subejct

Normal Camera Height

Camera is eye-level with the subject