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It’s easy to mix up the different types of camera shots and types of angles. To make a shot list, a filmmaker or video creative must know the classic types of shots based on attributes like shot size, shot framing, camera movement, camera mechanisms, and depth of field. We’ll break down all the camera shots, camera angles, and camera techniques that you need to know for your next film or music video. We also include camera shot examples from famous movies to help solidify all the discussed cinematography techniques.
01
Shot Size
Types of Camera Shots Explained
Chapter 01
Shot Size Overview
In this chapter, we will explore the different types of shot sizes, explain when and why to use each one, and explain how they can guide the audience's attention and support the story.
9 minute read
Camera Shot DEFINITION
What is a camera shot?
A camera shot is composed of the series of frames that are shot uninterrupted from the moment the camera starts rolling until it stops. Camera shots are an essential aspect of filmmaking and video productions, because by combining different types of shots, angles and camera movements, the filmmakers are able to emphasize specific emotions, ideas and movement for each scene.
Shot size is the foundation of shot selection.
Camera shot sizes are an important part of visual grammar, but they don't work alone. It is the combination of shot size, camera angle, framing, camera movement, lens choice, focal length, composition, and depth of field that shapes an audience's perception.
Shot choices affect pacing, tone, continuity, spatial relationships, and the emotional distance between the viewer and the subject. In practice, directors and cinematographers choose shots based on story beats, character motivation, and coverage needs for editing. These shots are added to a document called a shot list.
An example shot list created in StudioBinder • Get started for free
When building a shot list, shot sizes are often selected for coverage planning (wide → medium → close-up), ensuring editors can cut cleanly for continuity editing while preserving performance, blocking, and scene geography.
Below you'll find a shot size cheatsheet to see exactly how [different shot sizes](/content/blog/types-of-camera-shots-sizes-in-film/ ""/index.html) will look on screen, and how to differentiate them.
Camera Techniques in Film - Types of camera shots by size
Each shot size has a unique purpose, and understanding the fundamentals begins with intention.
Watch the video below where we walk you through every shot size — from [establishing shots](/content/blog/what-is-an-establishing-shot-definition-examples/ ""/index.html) all the way to [extreme close-ups](/content/blog/extreme-close-up-shot-definition/ ""/index.html) — and, most importantly, when each shot size should be considered:
Camera shots: Shot Sizes Explained • Subscribe on YouTube
Types of Camera Shot Sizes
- Extreme Wide Shot (ELS)
- Long Shot (LS) / Wide Shot (WS)
- Full Shot (FS)
- Medium Long Shot (MLS) / Medium Wide Shot (MWS)
- Cowboy Shot
- Medium Shot (MS)
- Medium Close Up (MCU)
- Close Up (CU)
- Extreme Close Up (ECU)
- Establishing Shot
1. Extreme Wide Shot (aka Extreme Long Shot)
Shot list abbreviations are EWS or ELS
An extreme wide shot (a.k.a. extreme long shot) makes your subject appear small against their location. You can use an extreme long shot to make your subject feel distant or unfamiliar.
Knowing when to show a wide shot is a very effective film technique. It is often used showcase the location, allowing the setting to become a character of its own. Practically speaking, it is also an powerful way to establish a scene, especially if it's a grand location.
Take a look at this extreme wide shot from [_Mad Max: Fury Road_](/content/tag/mad-max-fury-road/ ""/index.html), one of the [best action movies](/content/blog/best-action-movies-of-all-time/ ""/index.html) ever made.
Cinematic Shots - (EWS) Extreme Wide Shot Example in Mad Max: Fury Road
An extreme wide shot can also make your subject feel overwhelmed by its location. Of all the various camera shots out there, consider using the extreme long shot when you need to emphasize the location or isolation.
Learn more about the Extreme Wide Shot, including videos, shot list breakdowns, and a gallery of iconic movie stills.
2. Wide Shot / Long Shot
Shot list abbreviations are WS or LS
The wide shot (abbreviated “WS," also known as a long shot "LS") is the same idea as an extreme wide shot, but a bit closer. If your subject is a person then his or her whole body will be more clearly in view — but still not filling the shot. Here's an example of the wide shot size from The Martian, one of the best movies of 2015 .
Types of camera shots: (WS) Wide Shot Example in The Martian
When it comes to a wide shot, there should be a good deal of space above and below your subject. Use a wide shot (or long shot) to keep your subject in plain view amidst grander surroundings.
The wide shot also lets us take in the background [imagery](/content/blog/what-is-imagery-definition-examples/ ""/index.html), as well as the onlookers which will make any big moment more cinematic.
Of the many camera shots and camera techniques in movies, a long shot gives us a better idea of the scene [setting](/content/blog/what-is-the-setting-of-a-story/ ""/index.html), and gives us a better idea of how the character fits into the area.
3. Full shot
Shot list abbreviation FS
Now let's talk about camera techniques in film that let your subject fill the frame while keeping some emphasis on scenery.
Different Shots in Film: (FS) Full Shot Example in [Django Unchained](/content/tag/django-unchained/ ""/index.html)
This full shot from one of the best Quentin Tarantino movies Django Unchained is also a tracking shot — meaning there is camera movement featured throughout the shot. In this particular case, the film shooting camera slowly moves (or tracks) towards Django.
So, technically, this movie shot begins in a wide shot, moves to full shot (seen above), and eventually ends in a cowboy shot (see next section).
Of all the different types of camera shots in film, full shots can be used to feature multiple characters in a single shot, like this full shot size example from Marvel's [_Guardians of the Galaxy_](/content/tag/guardians-of-the-galaxy/ ""/index.html).