Camera Shots

This is an example of an "extreme long shot". Extreme long shots are usually taken from a long distance, from up to about quarter of a mile and they tend to be showing exteriors. These shots are rarely detailed and are more so used to give a general idea of the scene, this is why they are used as introductions shots mostly.

This is an example of a close up. Close up shots are taken from a short distance. They are used to single out a character or certain thing for a more detailed inspection from the audience, to get a better grasp of a plot point or important character. Close ups are used to get the audience as close as possible to a character, to really experience the pleasure or fear for example of a character.

This is an example of a birds eye view shot. This shot is taken from a very high position, either at the top of a building or it is often taken from helicopters or planes, to get the realistic representation of a birds view. It can be used to put the audience in a higher position, meaning almost godlike or superior to the characters in the piece.

This is an example of a low angle shot. This shot can be taken from any distance, but it is taken at a low angle to make the target of the shot look larger and in the case of this example more menacing. This gives the audience a lower position where they may feel more uncomfortable and powerless.

This is an example of a Canted angle shot. These types of shots are taken at awkward angles to add a sense of disorientation, instability and confusion to the scene. This scene in Inception is particularly disorientating and keeps the viewer totally engaged to the confusion.