Skillful use of camera techniques adds perspective to films.
Directors use shot techniques to invoke emotional responses from their audience, give perspective to a scene and to establish tension. Each technique tells a story about how a director views the story and guides the audience through the film. Creative use of camera techniques is as essential to a movie's success as skillful acting.
Crane Shot
Perform a crane shot by mounting the camera on the boom arm of a crane. It is used to capture a wide shot of a large area. Large crowd shots and battle scenes use this technique to create a feeling of size and significance and directors can use this method to shoot final scenes in many films.
Follow Shot
The follow shot tracks an actor through a setting with cranes, panning and tracking devices. Directors use follow shots to draw an audience into the film and give them the feeling they are walking with the character. This technique is effective when the path the character is walking holds a special significance.
High-Angle Shot
Elevate the camera and angle it downward toward your focus. This shot singles out your focus and establishes a character as powerless and vulnerable. High-angle shots can empower the setting while isolating your character.
Long Take
Long takes require concise planning. Perform these by following one or more characters through a long, single scene without breaks. Planning is required to ensure that you can maneuver the camera through a setting in a single fluid motion without obstructing your view with the setting or other actors. This technique allows a director to build suspense.
Low-Angle Shot
Lower the camera and angle it upward toward your focus. This technique gives your focus the appearance of strength and victory. Low-angle shots have an isolating quality as well, setting your actor out as dominant over your setting.
Panning Shot
Perform panning shots by rotating a camera along a vertical axis. This gives your audience the feeling of standing in your setting and taking in the entire scene. Directors use this in films where the setting plays a vital role in understanding the movie. Additionally, directors use this shot on moving objects to isolate them through their movement and give the appearance of faster movement.
Point of View Shot
Use this as a short shot following your actor turning to look in a specific direction. This gives your audience a perspective of seeing through your actor's eyes. This technique allows you to set up your shot separate from your actor and create a scene that would be difficult to shoot with your actor on screen. Directors use this shot to give audiences an insight into the character's perspective.
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