Basic Shot Sizes

Source: google images



1. Extreme close-up:
An extreme close-up shot frames a subject very closely, often so much so that the outer portions of the subject are cut off by the edges of the frame. On an actor, this is commonly used to show specific portions of the body, like the face or hip, but it can go closer to show only an actor’s mouth, or even a single eye.




2. Close-up:
A close-up shot is a camera shot in which most—if not all—of the frame is filled with an and actor's face or an important feature, detail, or object. The main purpose of a close-up is to convey information; it's the filmmaker's way of telling the audience, visually, that this is important.




3. Medium close-up:
In cinematography, a medium close-up (MCU) frames the subject from just above the head to just below the chest. A neutral shot, the medium close-up captures the subject's facial expression and body language while still leaving some background in the frame.




4. Medium shot:
A medium shot shows your character from the waist upwards. This type of shot allows you to convey emotion and character but still includes the environment. Medium shots are good for conversations and feel very much like a staple in the filmmaking world.




5. Cowboy shot:
A cowboy shot (sometimes called an American shot) is a shot framed from the actor’s mid-waist to right above their head. Many times the camera is placed at hip level as well, to give a slightly low angle to the shot. The reason the filmmaker won’t go completely back to a full shot is so the audience can still register some of the emotion on the actor's face.




6. Medium full shot:
A medium full shot, is a shot that frames a character around the knees and up. This shot size falls between a normal medium shot and a full shot.




7. Full shot:
A full shot is a camera shot in film that lets your subject fill the frame, head to toe, while still allowing some features of the scenery. Full shots can communicate the appearance, movement, mannerisms, traits, or actions of characters before focusing on their reaction or feelings.




8. Extreme long shot:
An extreme long shot (abbreviated as ELS) is a long shot that covers a wider area. It is also known as an extreme wide shot (EWS). The shot frames the subject from a distance and focuses on its surroundings. Remember: In a long shot, the character is usually still noticeable in the frame. But in an ELS, it’s not always necessary to see the character. The ELS or EWS functions best as an establishing shot, as more of the location is in the frame.