- FILM GRAMMER:
wide angle
mid-shot
close up
profile (side face)
cutaway shot – – – show details (close up to things)
rule of thirds (a third of the frame)
- Camera Movements:
- ZOOM
zoom in or zoom out; quick zoom to add energy; don’t get stuck
- PAN
Panning is when you move your camera horizontally; either left to right or right to left. You are not moving the position of the camera itself, just the direction it faces. These types of shots are great for establishing a sense of location within your story.
- TILT
Tilting is when you move the camera vertically, up to down or down to up, while its base is fixated to a certain point. Again, like panning, this move typically involves the use of a tripod where the camera is stationary but you move the angle it points to. These shots are popular when introducing a character, especially one of grandeur, in a movie.
- DOLLY
A dolly is when you move the entire camera forwards and backward, typically on some sort of track or motorized vehicle. This type of movement can create beautiful, flowing effects when done correctly. If you want to attempt a dolly, make sure your track is stable and will allow for fluid movement.
- TRUCK
Trucking is the same as dollying, only you are moving the camera from left to right instead of in and out. Again, it is best to do this using a fluid motion track that will eliminate any jerking or friction.
- PEDESTAL
A pedestal is when you move the camera vertically up or down while it is fixated in one location. This term came from the use of studio cameras when the operators would have to adjust the pedestal the camera sat on to compensate for the height of the subject. A pedestal move is easy to do when the camera is fixated to an adjustable tripod.
- RACK FOCUS (adjust the object to frame/focus)
The rack focus is not as much of a camera move as it is a technique, but many amateurs overlook this essential skill. You adjust the lens to start an image blurry and then slowly make it crisper, or vice versa. It is an extremely effective way for you to change your audience’s focus from one subject to another.