Camera Shot DEFINITION What is a camera shot? A camera shot is composed of the series of frames that are shot uninterrupted from the moment the camera starts rolling until it stops. Camera shots are an essential aspect of filmmaking and video productions, because by combining different types of shots, angles and camera movements, the filmmakers are able to emphasize specific emotions, ideas and movement for each scene.

Types of Camera Shots — The Shot Size Camera Shot Size Overview Below you'll find a shot size cheatsheet to see exactly how different shot sizes will look on screen, and how to differentiate the various shot sizes:

Types of camera shots by size

At the bottom of this section we provide a link to a PDF shot list that has examples of each shot sized used in popular films and television shows. Okay, onto shot sizes! This video breaks down the essential shot sizes — from establishing shots all the way to extreme close-ups.

Shot Sizes Explained • Subscribe on YouTube

Types of Shots By Size Extreme Long Shot (ELS) or Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) An extreme long shot (or extreme wide shot) make your subject appear small against their location. You can use an extreme long shot to make your subject feel distant or unfamiliar. Take a look at this extreme wide shot from one of the best action movies Mad Max: Fury Road:

(EWS) Extreme Wide Shot Example in Mad Max: Fury Road

It can also make your subject feel overwhelmed by its location. Of all the various camera shots out there, consider using the extreme long shot when you need to emphasize the location or isolation.

Types of Shot sizes Long Shot (LS) or Wide Shot (WS) The long shot (also known as a wide shot, abbreviated “WS”) is the same idea, but a bit closer. If your subject is a person then his or her whole body will be in view — but not filling the shot. Here's an example of the wide shot size from one of the best 2015 movies The Martian:

(WS) Wide Shot Example in The Martian

In other words, there should be a good deal of space above and below your subject. Use a long shot (or wide shot) to keep your subject in plain view amidst grander surroundings. The wide shot also lets us see the beautiful background imagery, as well as the onlookers which will make any big moment more cinematic. Of the many camera shots, a long shot gives us a better idea of the scene setting, and gives us a better idea of how the character fits into the area.

Types of Camera SHOTS Full Shot (FS) Now let's talk about camera shots that let your subject fill the frame while keeping emphasis on scenery.

(FS) Full Shot Example in Django Unchained

(FS) Full Shot Example in Guardians of the Galaxy

Types of Camera Shot Sizes Medium Wide Shot (MWS) A medium long shot (aka medium long shot) frames the subject from roughly the knees up. It splits the difference between a full shot and a medium shot. Here's an example of the medium wide shot size from one of the best crime movies, The Usual Suspects:

(MWS) Medium Wide Camera Shot Example in The Usual Suspects

You can always frame camera shots from any angle as well, so don't be afraid to think about medium long shots when behind a character.

Types of Camera Shots Cowboy Shot (CS) A variation on this is the Cowboy Shot, which frames the subject from roughly mid-thighs up. It’s called a “cowboy shot” because it is used in Westerns to frame a gunslinger’s gun or holster on his hip. Here's an example of the cowboy shot size from one of the best movies of 2017 Wonder Woman:

(CS) Cowboy Shot Camera Shot in Wonder Woman

Here is an example of a cowboy shot that's used in a film that has nothing to do with cowboys, and it's also a "three shot":

(CS) Cowboy Shot Example in The King’s Speech

TYPES OF SHOTS By Shot Size Medium Shot (MS) Let's move onto camera shots that reveal your subject in more detail. The medium shot is one of the most common camera shots. It's similar to the cowboy shot above, but frames from roughly the waist up and through the torso. So it emphasizes more of your subject while keeping their surroundings visible. Here's an example of the medium shot size from one of the best superhero movies X-Men: Days of the Future Past:

(MS) Medium Shot Example in X-Men: Days of Future Past

Medium shots may seem like the most standard camera shot around, but every shot size you choose will have an effect on the viewer. A medium shot can often be used as a buffer shot for dialogue scenes that have an important moment later that will be shown in a close-up shot. If you don't use all of the different types of camera shots in film, how can you signal anything to your viewer without shot size contrast.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS Medium Close Up Shot (MCU) The medium close-up frames your subject from roughly the chest up. So it typically favors the face, but still keeps the subject somewhat distant. Here's an example of the medium close-up shot size from one of the Coen Brothers’ masterpieces No Country for Old Men:

(MCU) Medium Close Up Shot Example in No Country for Old Men

The medium close-up camera shot size keeps the characters eerily distant even during their face-to-face conversation.

TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS Close Up (CU) You know it’s time for a close-up shot when you want to reveal a subject’s emotions and reactions. The close-up camera shot fills your frame with a part of your subject. If your subject is a person, it is often their face. Here's an example of the close-up shot size:

(CU) Close-Up Shot Example in The Usual Suspects

Of all the different types of camera shot sizes in film, a close-up is perfect for important moments. The close-up shot size is near enough to register tiny emotions, but not so close that we lose visibility.

TYPES OF Camera SHOT Sizes Extreme Close Up (ECU) An extreme close-up is the most you can fill a frame with your subject. It often shows eyes, mouth and gun triggers. In extreme close-up shots, smaller objects get great detail and are the focal point. Use an ECU to emphasize a specific feature of your subject:

(ECU) Extreme Close-Up Camera Shot Example in X-Men: First Class

Visionary filmmaker, Darren Aronofsky uses various degrees of close-ups in his work, like in one of his best films Black Swan. In this extreme close-up, we see that her transformation happens quite literally. Aronofsky uses the extreme close up shot size to show feathers growing in Nina’s back.

(ECU) Extreme Close-Up Example in Black Swan

Extreme close-ups can be used in many different film genres, which includes comedy as well. Here's an ECU example:

Type of camera shots example: (ECU) Extreme Close Up in Little Miss Sunshine

Establishing Shots It all starts with an establishing shot An establishing shot is a shot at the head of a scene that clearly shows us the location of the action. This shot often follows an aerial shot and is used to show where everything will happen. Consider the following examples:

Type of camera shots: Shooting Great Establishing Shots • Subscribe on YouTube