Researching shot types.

Different shot types are used to manipulate the subject of the image in different ways. These shot types have different effects on the audience, and somes the choice of shot type depends on the age range of the audience. For example, on the news, they might chose to use a plain shot type which mainly focusses on the person talking, however on a childrens programme, a cutaway shot type might be used, to show different aspects of the topic so that the audience doesn't get bored.



1. ECU (Extreme Close Up)




The definition of this is when the camera zooms right in. This shot type is often used to reveal small details of the subject. For example, this shot might be used to show a certain emotion on the face of a person being interviewed. This helps to change the emotion of the audience. Another example of when this shot could be used is in a mystery, when the detective picks up a small clue from the subjects expression, and in this case, the ECU shot would help the audience to understand the plot.

2. Point-of-View Shot (POV)

A point of view shot is when the camera shows the audience a view from the subjects perspective. This shot is a common trick of a horror film because it makes the film seem more realistic, and gives the audience a view as if they were at the scene, making them more involved in the plot. A POV shot doesn't have to be restricted to only visual means, sometimes the manipulation of sounds can be used to emphasize a particular character's point of view. Some films are totally shot using this technique, while others incoporate this technique into only particular sections of the film, emphasizing certain scenes or events.

3. Weather Shot

This is when the subject is the weather. This is usually used when the weather is symbolic to the mood of the scene, for example, lightening for a horror movie. This shot is important because it shows how weather can effect mood. It also sets the scene for a certain event to occur.





There are also other types of shots used in media today. Some of these shots are the following:

EWS (Extreme Wide Shot)The view is so far from the subject that he isn't even visible. Often used as an establishing shot.
VWS (Very Wide Shot)The subject is visible (barely), but the emphasis is still on placing him in his environment.
WS (Wide Shot)The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as comfortably possible. AKA long shot.
MS (Mid Shot)Shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject.
MCU (Medium Close Up)Half way between a MS and a CU.
CU (Close Up)A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame.
Cut-InShows some (other) part of the subject in detail.
CA (Cutaway)A shot of something other than the subject.
Two-ShotA shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot.
(OSS) Over-the-Shoulder ShotLooking from behind a person at the subject
Noddy ShotUsually refers to a shot of the interviewer listening and reacting to the subject.