home → Camera Angles → Aerial ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Aerial ShotFamiliarize yourself with the aerial shot in film, starting with what it means, how to use it, and some of its greatest examples.VideoExamplesArticleAerial shot definitionWhat is an aerial shot?An aerial shot captures a scene from high above to provide a bird’s-eye view. This elevated perspective is often used to showcase scale or geography.For an in-depth exploration of this technique, check out our full guide to aerial shots, complete with examples and breakdowns.Filming aerial shotsAerial shot examplesIt’s helpful to see aerial shots in action before exploring how they operate within visual storytelling. Browse…
home → Camera Angles → Overhead Shot Search for:Search Button — The — Overhead Shot Get acquainted with one of the most unique shots in film by looking at overhead examples, uses, and pairings with other techniques. Video Examples Article Overhead shot definition What is an overhead shot? An overhead shot is a camera angle where the camera is positioned directly above the subject, looking straight down. Also known as a birds-eye view shot, this top-down perspective can be used to create a sense of detachment or visual abstraction. For a deeper look at this technique, check out our breakdown of…
home → Camera Angles → Dutch Angle ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Dutch Angle ShotLearn about the Dutch angle– why filmmakers use it, what it means, and how it works best.VideoExamplesArticleDutch angle definitionWhat is a Dutch angle?A Dutch angle, also known as a canted shot, involves tilting the camera so that the horizon line is slanted. This can create a sense of unease or disorientation within a frame. The tilt can be subtle or extreme, depending on the desired effect.For a deeper dive into this technique, check out our detailed breakdown of the dutch angle, complete with examples and additional insights.Dutch angle in filmDutch…
home → Camera Angles → High Angle ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —High Angle ShotEverything you need to know about the high angle shot in film, including the definition, the best examples, and how to use it.VideoExamplesArticleHigh Angle Shot DefinitionWhat is a high angle shot?A high angle shot is when the camera looks down on the character or subject from an elevated perspective. This can range from just slightly above the subject to nearly overhead. If the camera is directly overhead, looking straight down, this is typically referred to as an overhead shot.For more, read our full breakdown of the high angle shot,…
home → Camera Angles → Low Angle ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Low Angle ShotGet to know the low angle shot by diving into its definition, iconic examples, and numerous uses.VideoExamplesArticleLow Angle Shot Definition DefinitionWhat is a low angle shot?A low angle shot is a camera angle where the camera is positioned below the subject, looking up. This perspective often makes the subject appear larger, more powerful, or intimidating. A low angle shot can be just slightly below a subject, or it can be shooting nearly directly upward at them.For more this approach, you can read our dissection of the low angle shot, which…
home → Shot Size → Extreme Wide ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Extreme Wide ShotEverything you need to know about the extreme wide shot in film, including the definition, the best examples, and how to use it.VideoExamplesArticleExtreme Wide Shot DefinitionWhat is an extreme long shot?An extreme long shot (or also commonly called an extreme wide shot) frames the subject as a very small portion of the frame, engulfed on all sides by the environment they're in. Extreme long shots and extreme wide shots give a sense of scale, usually to emphasize how small a character is compared to their surroundings.For more, read our…
home → Shot Size → Wide ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Wide ShotEverything you need to know about the wide shot in film, including the definition, the best examples, and how to use it.VideoExamplesArticleWide Shot DefinitionWhat is a wide shot (aka long shot)?A wide shot (also known as a long shot) is when the subject's entire body is captured in the shot, with a good deal of background visible around them on all sides. It is one of the most common shot sizes, particularly useful in moments when a comparison or a relationship is desired between the character and their surroundings.For more, read…
home → Shot Size → Full ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Full ShotEverything you need to know about the full shot in film, including the definition, the best examples, and how to use it.VideoExamplesArticleFull Shot DefinitionWhat is a full shot?A full shot is when the camera capture the entirety of the subject's body, from head to toe. This is sometimes also a wide shot and while there is some overlap, they have their own characteristics. For more, read our full breakdown of the full shot, including examples that illustrate the shot size's various functions.Before we dive in the full shot and everything it can…
home → Shot Size → Medium Full ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Medium Full ShotEverything you need to know about the medium full shot in film, including the definition, the best examples, and how to use it.VideoExamplesArticleMedium Full Shot DefinitionWhat is a medium full shot?A medium full shot is when the camera frames the subject from the knees up. It splits the difference between a full shot (head to toe) and a medium shot (from the waist up). It's also very similar to the "cowboy shot," which is a slightly tighter framing that ends just below the belt buckle — named for those…
home → Shot Size → Cowboy ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Cowboy ShotEverything you need to know about the cowboy shot in film, including the definition, the best examples, and how to use it.VideoExamplesArticleCowboy Shot DefinitionWhat is a cowboy shot in film?A cowboy shot is when the subject is framed from the top of their head to below their hips or down to their knees. This is also known as a medium full shot (MFS) or a medium wide shot (MWS). It is called a cowboy shot because of its association with shootout scenes in Westerns — the frame is low enough to…
