Camera techniques - Distance from the Camera/ Shot sizes

Distance from the camera is determined on the basis of the shot. A shot is a series of frames that runs for an uninterrupted period of time. It is the moment that the camera starts rolling until the moment it stops. Shots vary on the basis of the distance from the object and the angle through which the camera captures the visual. The concept of distance and proximity is important to determine the shot. Basic types of shots are:

1.      Extreme Long Shot (ELS)

In the extreme long shot, the view is so far from the subject that the subject isn't even visible. The point of this shot is to show the subject's surroundings. It is commonly used to capture landscape shots.

The extreme long shot is often used as an establishing shot. It is the first shot of a new scene that is used to show the audience where the action is taking place. It is also useful in scenes where a large number of subjects are involved. For example, in a war movie an extreme long shot can show the scale of the action. It is also called and extreme wide shot or landscape shot.

2.      Long Shot (LS)

Any shot that shows the full body of the subject is called a long shot. It shows the bottom to top of the subject and the details of the location in which the subject is situated. It can also be defined as a camera view of an object or character from a considerable distance to make the subject look relatively smaller in the frame. It is also called a wide shot or wide angle shot. It is used to show the location where the action takes place. Long shot is used to set the atmosphere of the scene. It is also used establish the interconnections between the characters in a course of broad range of action.

3.     Medium Shot (MS)

The shot that is filmed from a medium distance is called a medium shot. It refers to the presentation of the subject from the top of the head to the waist or knee. It is also called waist shot or bust shot.

The medium shot shows a portion of the background, and details of the action of the subjects. It is commonly used for two person shots and for showing working scenes. 

4.     Close Up (CU)

In the close-up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject is magnified. It takes up most of the frame. It is a shot taken from a close distance and is used for showing details. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face, i.e., persons head from shoulders or neck. A close-up exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. It emphasizes the subject’s emotional state.

5.      Extreme Close Up (ECU)

It shows the extreme details of the subject. It is also called a detail shot or close on. It is too close to any specific part of the subject to show the general reactions or emotions.

6.     Over The Shoulder (OTS)

In this shot the camera is placed behind a subject who is looking at the main subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame. This shot helps to establish the position of each subject, and get the feel of looking at one subject from the other's point of view. This kind of shot is used during a conversation scene.