The 8 common shot types

 1. Extreme long shot

This gives context to the location in the film, the shot makes a subject appear very small against the huge background/location. It represents that the subject is feeling lonely, and isolated by the location. It is the uncomfortable environment that makes the subject feel overwhelmed by the surroundings. 

2. Long shot

This is similar to the extreme long shot, it gives the viewer a better understanding of the context, space, scale or subject in the location setting. However, the issue is more comfortable in the environment they're surrounded by with no overwhelming emotion.

3. Medium long shot

The shot is taken from roughly the knees and above, its main focus is on the character's body language, gestures, emotion and personality. Focus less on the surroundings, the film director might use this to show the character's poses or other traits of the character

4. Medium shot

It is also called a mid-shot. It is shot from the waist and up, a medium shot used to empathize with the subject while still informing the audience what is going on in the surroundings, it gives equal presence on the screen. The film director uses this shot to clearly show the character's actions, emotions or even small gestures while having the background behind it.

5. Medium close up

It is shot from the shoulder up to focus more on facial expression or when the character is speaking. however, still keep the background visible to viewers. The shot also illustrates a significant moment.

6. Close up

Now the subject has become the main focus on the screen, this shot type catches the small details or feelings. The tension is created and viewers are given a sense of connection. It is ideal for highlighting a significant event. Viewers aren't diverted by background noise or other unimportant elements.

7. Big close up

It's a standard shot size that shows the subject filling the entire screen, usually, it is the face that is being zoomed in, from forehead to chin. It mimics the feeling of face-to-face interaction in daily life, it's interrogatory and drives the viewer's attention to focus on the feelings or reactions of the character.

8. Extreme close up

The shot fills the frames with the character's face. It goes closer to the eyes or mouth, and viewers are able to see extremely tiny details that may go unnoticed when shooting in a wide shot. The shot highlights crucial or sensitive moments in a scene. It adds intensity and allows the audience to enter the character's mind, and what they're thinking which is more personal and private.