Camera framings

Extreme wide shot

In an extreme wide shot the view is so far away from the subject that it isn't even visible. the point of this shot is to show the subjects surroundings.

Very wide shot

A very wide shot is much closer to the subject, but is still quite far away. The subject here is visible but only just.

Wide shot

The subject takes up the full frame. In this case his head and feet are almost at the top and bottom of the frame. The subject doesn't fit the whole width or height of the frame.

Mid shot

This shows some part of the subject in more detail, but still giving the audience the impression that they are looking at the whole subject.

Medium close up

This is half way between a close up and a mid shot. It shows the face more clearly with out getting too close.

Close up

A certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. A close up of a person usually means their face.

Extreme close up

This gets right in and shows extreme detail. You would normally need a reason to get this close to a subject.

Cut away

This shot is usually of something other than the current action. It could be a different subject or a close up of a different part of the subject.

Cut in

This is like a cutaway but it specifically concentrates on some part of the subject.

Two shot

This shot has a few variations, but the main idea is to have two people in the shot, often used in interviews or when two people are presenting a show.

Over the shoulder

This shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the subject. The person facing the subject should occupy about 1/3 of the shot.

Noddy shot

This is common in interviews, this shot is of  a person reacting or listening to the subject. Noddies are eddited after the interview is finished.

Point of view shot

This shot shows a view from the subject's perspective. It's usually eddited in a way thats obvious whose it is.

Weather shot

 In this shot the subject is the weather. The sky takes up at least 2/3 of the frame. This shot is common in television programmes where the weather is of particular intrest e.g. sports shows.