CINEMATOGRAPHY

Cinematography is the the use of camerawork and photography in film making. Cinematography is highly effective (along with the use of other film techniques such as mise-en-scene) to divert the audiences attention to different aspects of the scene. This is important as this ensure that the viewer does not get board and gets to experience all the different aspects of the scene. Although it should be noted that too much camera work and movement can cause the audience so become disorientated and nauseated, so a good balance is needed to avoid this.

Here are some examples of shots that are frequently used for affect in film:

Aerial shot

When a shot is taken from a height directly above a scene. A crane or helicopter is normally used to achieve this shot.

Close-up shot

When a frame is tightened on a person or object, normally for dramatic effect.

Medium shot

Medium shot-this is a general use/ all purpose shot, used for capturing a characters gestures and dialog.

Shot reverse shot

When character is shown looking or talking to another character (normally off screen) and the other character is show looking/ talking back to the other character not or partially on screen.

Long shot

When the camera is around a quarter of a mile away (or more) from the place that is being shot in order to capture the entirety of the shot. the log shot is normally used as an establishing shot, to showcase the landscape or show an action sequence..

Over the shoulder shot

When the camera is filming from over the shoulder of one of the characters, this is used to show the perspective of one character in in particular.

High angles

when the camera is above the object or character being shot, generally used to make something appear vulnerable.

Low angles

When the camera is angled below the object (subject), this is normally use to make the subject look more intimidating or powerful.

Tracking shot

This is when the camera follows (records) alongside the object that is being filmed. this is normally through use of a dolly, is is a piece of apparatus that holds the camera and is attached to rails which stops the shot from being unsteady (shaky).

Establishing shot

This is the first shot of a new scene and is used to show the audience the new scenery and where the action/ next few events are going to take place in the movie. wide shots are normally used for this in order to en capture the all or majority of the new setting.

Handheld

This is when the cameraman is holding the camera without a dolly, is can be used in film to simulate amateurish filming and make the audience fell uneasy.