Categories of Shots

Instructional Video Production 4(1+3)

Lesson 06: Types of Shots

Categories of Shots

Extreme Close-up shot (ECU)
Focus :
ECU captures from mid-fore-head to just above chin, or even closer.
Purpose:
It is used to show details up close, as details are magnified to a very large extent, and to emphasize facial expressions or to make the subject appear threatening.
Long Shot (LS)

Focus:
LS shows the entire body and a very short distance above and below.
Purpose:
It is used to establish the location and enable viewers to follow action within the frame; this is a shot in which the subject can be seen in full. Details are still missing, but the shot is a little closer that the ELS.

Medium Long Shot (MLS)
Focus:
MLS focus from head to below the knees or just above the ankle. Cuts just below the knees.
Purpose:
It is used to clearly show body gestures, especially the arms.
Medium Shot (MS)

Focus:
MS focus from the waist to the head. Cuts the body above/below the waist.
Purpose:
Used to help viewers easily recognize the subjects and also see what they are doing with their hands.
Medium Close up (MCU)

Focus:
MCU is the typical passport-size photograph. Cuts the body at the lower chest, just below the armpit.
Purpose:
Used to show reactions and indicate what the subject is feeling. No more details are available except of the face.

Close-up (CU) :In close-up shot a person is covered upto shoulders. The purpose of this shot is showing a person intimately, and revealing expressions and details.
Extreme Close-up(ECU):
In this shot specific parts of body are covered. Minute details are also shown through extreme long shots.

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Last modified: Saturday, 21 April 2012, 1:25 PM