Shot Type

How far away does the subject of an image appear from the viewer? We can refer to different shot types to categorise these distances.

Introduction

When composing, artists can "zoom" in or out to determine what stays in an image, and what gets left out. 

While there are no strict rules for how near or far the viewer should be from the subject of an image, there are a number of conventional shot types that it is worth being aware of.

Here, we learn about the different shot types used by artists, and the ways these specific shots can be used to communicate meaning. 

Understanding Shot Types

Imagine that you use your phone to take a photograph. This photo could be of something nearby like a pen on your desk, or something far away like a distant mountain. 

Depending on how far you are from the subject, your photograph will either capture a lot of detail in a small space (the photo of the pen on the desk), or a little detail in a large space (the photo of the distant mountain). 

An artist composing an image must consider these distances, and decide what it is they are attempting to represent for the viewer. Are they trying to capture a lot of movement within a scene? If so, it might be best to compose the image from a distance to best capture this activity. By contrast, if the artist would like to convey the emotions of a single person, positioning this subject nice and close allows the viewer to see their facial expressions and body language in greater detail.

Helpfully, we can refer to different shot types to describe these distances. Although shot types are traditionally used by photographers and filmmakers, we can use them when analysing any visual text. 

Types of Shots

Wide shot (long shot)

A wide shot is used to capture an entire scene. 

People depicted in a wide shot have their whole bodies visible and their surroundings are clearly recognisable—whether this be an interior or exterior location.

The viewer should gain a sense of context from a wide shot. That is, they should be able to understand what is happening around the subject at the moment the scene is captured. 

In films, a wide shot is generally used at the beginning of a new scene to let the audience know where and when the action is taking place (this is also known as an establishing shot). As the scene continues, shots move closer to the subject(s), revealing their emotional responses to whatever is happening around them.

Mid shot (medium shot, waist shot)

In a mid shot the subject takes up much of the frame, although the background is still visible. 

When this subject is a human they are usually seen from the waist up. Thus, more of their body language and facial expressions are revealed than in a wide shot, and details of their clothing and accessories are also clear.

In films, mid shots are often used to capture dialogue, switching back and forth between people as they talk. These shots allow viewers to see characters' faces and expressions, and enough of their bodies to reveal their reactions to what is happening. A hint of background reminds the audience of where and when a conversation is taking place. 

Close-up

A close-up shot draws the viewer's attention towards something specific. In these shots the subject fills most of the frame, allowing the viewer to appreciate any small details that convey meaning. 

Often, a close-up is used to capture a human face so that emotions can be communicated through detailed facial expressions. Close-ups can also focus on a particular object, suggesting to the viewer that this object is important in some way.  

Extreme close-up

An extreme close-up focuses on a very specific part of a subject. This could be a feature on a subject's face, a finger on a trigger or a single petal on a flower. 

Extreme close-ups are rare, but they are an effective way to draw the viewer's attention to something very important.

Extreme wide shot (extreme long shot, landscape shot)

An extreme long shot focuses on a very wide area, whether this be a natural setting or something artificial like a city. 

The viewer can make out few details within such a landscape image because the overall impression is more important than any individual element.

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Angle