10 Fundamental Cinematic Shots

Good cinematographers take control of the camera and record a variety of cinematic shots according to the producer’s shot list. However, great cinematographers master the art of visual storytelling by using the best pictures to skillfully convey a story. Great cinematographers only show the viewer what they want them to see and how they want them to see it. The difference between an average cinematographer and one who will create the most compelling, significant, and inspirational cinematic shots in the business is the ability to master these fundamental techniques.

1. The Point-of-View (POV) Shot or First-Person Shot

Usually photographed from a steady view or while moving along an axis, one of the many cinematography techniques that immerses the viewer in the action and gives them the impression that they are in the character’s shoes is the point-of-view shot, also known as the first-person shot. Cinematographers use attachable cameras that record the video as the subject plays out the scene to create POV shots.

2. The Long Shot or The Wide Shot

The long shot, also known as the wide shot, is a cinematic technique that entails taking the shot from a distance so that the viewer can see what is happening. However, not too close to make an emotional connection just yet. Occasionally cinematographers use wide shots. This is where the entire body of a subject is visible, to depict numerous subjects interacting in a scenario. For example, when actors are chatting while walking down the street. Long shots might provide the impression that the spectator is casually observing the action while it happens close by.

3. The Extreme Long Shot

To switch from one location to another, utilise the extreme long shot. When it comes to letting the audience know that the upcoming scenes are taking place in a new city or a location that is obviously different from the one where the story was first being told, this is one of the cinematography techniques that are most frequently used. Consequently, extreme long shots can depict a subject in scale with their environment.

4. The Close-Up Shot or The Extreme Close-Up Shot

Close-up and extreme close-up shots are employed to draw in viewers and make it easier for them to empathise with the character’s feelings in the situation. In contrast to the extreme close-up, which only shows a small portion of the face, usually the eyes or the mouth, the close-up often just shows the character’s head or the area from the neck up. Therefore, cinematographers employ both to create the right atmosphere.

5. The Medium Shot – Perhaps the most used of cinematic shots

One of the most often used cinematography methods used in movies is the medium shot. The viewer can concentrate primarily on the subject and less on the surrounds when group scenes and individual subjects are captured using a general-purpose shot. A section of the background is typically visible over the subject’s head and on all sides in the medium shot, which frames the figure from mid-chest up. For example, this is often demonstrated in documentaries and real-time newscasts.

6. The Dutch-Angle Shot

The dutch angle moves the camera to the side, tilting and offsetting vertical subjects or background features like buildings. This is one of the less-common cinematography methods that can evoke disquiet in viewers and possibly elicit a sense of instability or unease in the character.

7. The Tilt Shot

A diverse selection of cinematic shots that work together to provide content that the audience can relate to constitute good filmmaking approaches. Even though it’s one of the simplest cinematography methods, the tilt shot can be used to create sequences that are incredibly engaging if care is taken to make sure the camera’s upward or downward motion corresponds with the unveiling of an important element in the picture. Consequently, tilt shots are frequently used by cinematographers as the opening shot for a scene.

8. The Zoom Shot

There are several ways to create connections between the camera and the audience. For example, using zoom shots or zoom shot variations such as the the dolly zoom. Directors of photography use zoom shots to draw attention to an important element of the scene. For example, the subject or an object. The cinematographer might evoke different feelings in the viewer, such as claustrophobia or the inability to stop staring at a specific portion of the image depending on how the zoom shot is used in the scene.

9. The Panning Shot

The panning shot is a necessary component of every list of cinematography techniques. Similar to the tilt shot, but with horizontal rather than vertical panning movements, master cinematographers employ panning views to capture the surroundings of scenes so that viewers feel as though they have a clear picture of where the scene is taking place or what is happening in the scene. To master the precise and fluid movement of the camera as it moves to the final frame, panning shots require a high level of talent. Cinematographers properly arrange panning shots for maximum connection.

10. The Over-The-Shoulder Shot – The most organic of cinematic shots

Cinematographers use the over-the-shoulder shot, a technique for capturing two subjects that gives the impression that the camera is peering over one subject’s shoulder to create natural-looking conversational scenes. Imagine one subject’s head being out of focus in the foreground and another subject’s or object’s in focus in the background. One of the most organic-looking cinematography techniques that great directors have mastered is the over-the-shoulder shot.

So, What Next After Exploring Cinematic Shots?

We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the 10 fundamental cinematic shots for indie cinematographers. Next, why not check out our recent article on how to create a shot list? And if 10 shots weren’t enough to whet your appetite, try these 30 shots out for size!