CLASSROOM: 10 Types of Shots and Angles Every Filmmaker Should Know1 min read
Reading Time: < 1 minuteHere are the 10 types of shots every filmmaker should be using — and how these shots can help you tell your project’s story.
Filmmaking is storytelling. There are infinite stories to tell — as well as ways to tell them. Filmmaking as an art form gives us a way to find our voices through images and sound. So, it’s important to know the basics of filmmaking when you start this search. Let’s dive into the essential shots and what each can add to your story.
1. Medium Shot
The medium shot is your standard, conversational, waist-up, framed shot. This will be your go-to shot when filming your actors. This shot represents the viewer’s perspective from a conversational distance. If you’re ever going to shoot an interview or dialogue scene, stick with the medium shot.
Some cinematographers have truly mastered the medium shot — like Roger Deakins and Robert Elswit. How you present your characters on the screen starts with meaningful and intentional framing.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
