CAMELS-D

What is an Extreme Close-Up (ECU)?

[Definition] The camera zooms in tightly on a single specific detail or object

What is a Close-Up (CU)?

[Definition] A shot framing a character from the shoulders up

What is a Mid-Shot / Medium Shot (MS)?

[Definition] Frames a character from the waist up

What is an Establishing Shot / Wide Shot?

[Definition] A shot taken from a great distance showing an entire landscape or building. \n[Why use it] Tells the audience exactly where and when the story is taking place

What is a Low-Angle Shot?

[Definition] The camera is positioned low on the ground and points up at the character or object. \n[Why use it] Makes whoever is on screen look physically larger

What is a Panning Shot (Pan)?

[Definition] The camera stays fixed in one spot but swivels horizontally from left to right or right to left. \n[Why use it] Mimics a person turning their head; great for revealing landscapes

What is a Tracking Shot?

[Definition] The camera physically moves through space alongside

What is a Handheld Camera (Shaky Cam)?

[Definition] The camera is held by the operator instead of a stable tripod

What is a Tilt Shot?

[Definition] The camera stays fixed in one spot but pivots vertically up or down. \n[Why use it] Emphasizes height or scale

How does Warm vs. Cold Lighting affect a scene?

[Definition] The color temperature of the scene (gold/orange/yellow vs. sterile blue/grey/white). \n[Why use it] Bypasses the brain to trigger instant emotion: warm tones feel safe and comforting

What is Juxtaposition in editing?

[Definition] Placing two contrasting shots