home → Camera Movements → Push-In Shot
Push-In Shot definition
What is a Push-In Camera Shot?
A push-in shot is a type of shot where the camera moves physically closer to the subject, either with a dolly or Steadicam. Filmmakers chose this shot to focus the audience on something specific. Sometimes, this is to emphasize or exaggerate the emotions of a scene or character, or maybe to focus the audience on a specific or important object or detail that is key to the plot. It can also be used to show intimacy between characters, or create tension within the frame.
For an in-depth exploration of this technique, check out our full guide to push-in shots, complete with examples and breakdowns.
Push-in camera movement examples
Push-in shot examples
It’s helpful to see push-in shots in action before exploring how they operate within visual storytelling. Browse this curated selection of push-in shots to get a sense of their uses across films.
Emphasize emotion
Create tension
Establish intimacy
Draw attention to a detail
Uses
What does a Push-in Shot do?
Push-in camera movement is used for a variety of story reasons. But no matter its purpose, one of its aims is to focus the audience on something specific, whether that’s a character or an object.
Build drama
Pushing in can help indicate growing tension, allowing the anticipation of a scene to build.
Convey emotion
By moving toward a character, a camera push-in shot can reveal the character’s state of mind.
Demonstrate closeness
A camera push-in shot on two characters can emphasize the closeness in their relationship.
Focus the audience
By pushing in toward a detail or an object, the audience will realize it’s important to the plot.
Push-in camera movement
Push-in vs Zoom-in
A push-in shot is similar to a zoom shot, but the difference is that in a push-in, the camera physically moves toward its subject. In a zoom shot, the camera doesn't move. Instead, the cinematographer adjusts the focal length of the lens, zooming it in to make the subject appear closer. Both are types of shots, but a push-in involves moving the camera, and a zoom shot only involves adjusting the lens.
Case Study
Shot listing a Push-In Shot
Push-In shots are often used to draw the audience’s attention to a specific part of the frame, usually because it has emotional resonance or is significant to the plot. In this example from “Midsommar,” the push-in shot emphasizes a key emotional moment for the characters.
Click the shot list below to take a closer look at the entire scene.
There are many ways to use a push-in shot, and it can actually be combined with other camera techniques.
Let's dive into the creative applications of a push-in shot when paired with other directing choices.
Unexpected combos
How can you use a push-in shot with other camera techniques?
How to combine a push-in shot
Push-in shots are a versatile addition to any filmmaker’s visual language. While impactful on their own, they gain even more power when paired with other techniques. Here are some creative ways push-in shots can be combined with different cinematic approaches:
- Push-in pull out camera movement: This is when the camera pulls in or pulls out while zooming in the opposite direction with the lens. It’s sometimes known as a push-pull or dolly zoom. It can create a sense of disorientation, and was famously used in Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Vertigo.”
- Push-in with Zoom: This shot moves the camera physically closer to the subject while also zooming in, and is often used to create a feeling of disorientation.
- Push-in with Tracking: Tracking shots follow a subject as they move. A push-in can be used while the camera is tracking.
- Push-in with Tilt: Push-in shots can be used with tilts, which is when the camera moves vertically. A push-in combined with an upward tilt may make something seem bigger or tall, while a downward tilt could highlight something lower.
- Push-in with Close-up: A close-up shot is when the frame is extremely close to the subject. Combining it with a push-in shot focuses deeply on a detail.
Frequently asked questions about the camera push-in shot
A push-in shot is when the camera physically moves closer to the subject or scene.
A push-in shot physically moves the camera closer to the subject, while a zoom shot is a lens adjustment that zooms in on the subject without moving the camera.
Push-in shots are used to emphasize a detail, highlight emotion, or increase tension.
The camera is able to move closer by being mounted on a Dolly, Steadicam, or gimbal.
