1. Extreme Close-Up (ECU)
Zooms in tightly on a detail—eyes, lips, fingers—to intensify emotion or highlight something symbolic.
2. Close-Up (CU)
Focuses on the face or specific object. Use for intimacy, emotion, or key reactions.
3. Medium Close-Up (MCU)
Frames the subject from the chest up. Great for dialogue scenes and emotional subtleties.
4. Medium Shot (MS)
Waist-up view. Balances subject with environment. Perfect for interpersonal dynamics.
5. Medium Wide Shot (MWS)
Shows the subject from knees up. Often used in group scenes or active sequences.
6. Wide Shot (WS)
Full-body framing. Establishes the character in their environment. Great for visual storytelling.
7. Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
Also called an establishing shot. Captures vast landscapes or settings, making the subject small or insignificant.
8. Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)
Camera peers over a character’s shoulder, often during conversation. Builds connection and perspective.
9. Point-of-View Shot (POV)
Shows exactly what the character sees. Use to create immersion or tension.
10. Insert Shot
Cuts in close on a relevant object (a ring, a letter, a drop of blood). Highlights details that matter.
11. Dutch Angle (Tilted Shot)
The frame is tilted, creating disorientation, tension, or artistic flair.
12. Low Angle Shot
Camera looks up at the subject. Makes them appear powerful, intimidating, or heroic.
13. High Angle Shot
Camera looks down. Makes subject appear small, weak, vulnerable—or just observed.
14. Bird’s Eye View (Top Shot)
Directly overhead. Can feel abstract, divine, or detached. Often used for choreography or symbolism.
15. Worm’s Eye View
The camera is extremely low, looking upward. Can feel epic, intense, or otherworldly.
16. Tracking Shot (Dolly In/Out)
Camera moves with the subject. Adds dynamic flow and immersion—use for following or revealing.
17. Crane Shot
Camera lifts above or descends onto a scene. Great for transitions, reveals, or epic scale.
18. Two-Shot
Frames two characters equally. Use for intimacy, tension, or contrast in relationship dynamics.
19. Mirror Shot
Captures a reflection—often symbolic, mysterious, or emotionally layered.
20. Silhouette Shot
Backlit framing creates a shadowy outline. Powerful for mood, mystery, or poetic storytelling.
