Cinematography Explained: Shot Size
By Reneece Francis
Shot size, also known as camera distance or social distance is how far the photographer is to be, to the people or objects in the frame.That is to say, the distance at which he or she is, in order to take the photograph or to take a video. As such, this process allows for a relationship between the viewer and the individual or object in the photograph or video.
There are three main shot sizes; long shot, medium shot or mid shot and close-up or intimate distance. However, with respect to long shot and close-up, there are variations to such.
Long shot
a. Long shot, LS, also known as wide shot, WD, in film, shows the entire picture. That means, if there is an individual or some sort of landscaping in the shot, the entire individual or landscape will be highlighted. This shot is seen as public type of distance or objectivity.
b. Extreme long shot- this is where the entire individual is shown, however, from a very far distance, so he or she is barely visible.
c. Medium long shot- there is a great amount of detail and information that can be gathered from this shot, with regards to the individual and settings. Basically everything is seen clearly enough to be able to come to a conclusion about the photograph.
Medium Shot/Mid-shot
Medium shot or mid-shot, MS, usually cuts of people from the waist or cut out the background only highlighting specific areas. That is to say, a person's expression or movements will dominate the frame or the screen, with regards to film. This shot is seen as a more social shot.
Close-up/Intimate Distance
The close-up or intimate distance directs the viewer's attention to what the individual is doing, saying or feeling. It may also highlight an object which may be of significance to the narrative. In this shot, the person's head and sometimes shoulders are shown.
a. Medium close-up- this is where the individual's head and shoulders rest comfortably in the frame.
b. Big close-up- this is just before the individual's chin, to the middle of his or her forehead.
c. Extreme close-up- this is dramatic focus on a particular part of the body or the object, for instance, the individual's eyes.
0 Response to "Cinematography Explained: Shot Size"
Post a Comment