The 16 Types of Camera Shots & Angles
Do you sometimes feel like your vision for a film is lost in translation? It can be a frustrating experience, but one that can be avoided (or at least minimised). Before delving into the intricate world of advanced video transitions or the finesse of animatics, it's essential to establish a strong foundation in the fundamentals of storyboarding. This solid groundwork serves as the bedrock upon which your cinematic aspirations can flourish.
Armed with a working knowledge of camera shots, angles, and perspective techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating easy-to-read storyboards. It's the key to unlocking your ability to draft storyboards that not only capture your original vision but also convey it to others with precision and impact.
To that end, we've pulled together 16 camera moves and camera shot types to give your storyboarding vocabulary a boost.
Camera Shot Types
Establishing Shot
A wide shot showing the Llama Kingdom valley. It sets the scene and tells the audience where the story takes place.
Full Shot
Shows the whole Llama from ears to hooves. This shot is perfect for showcasing the Llama's outfit, body language, and actions within the environment.
Medium Shot
Captures the Llama from the waist up. It's the standard shot for dialogue scenes, allowing viewers to see gestures and expressions while maintaining some background context.
Close Shot
Focuses tightly on the Llama's face. This shot highlights emotions—happiness, surprise, or determination—making the character the center of attention.
Extreme Close Shot
Zooms in on a specific detail, like a Llama's eye or snout. Used sparingly for intense, dramatic moments or to reveal something important.
Up Shot
A low angle shot looking up at the Llama. This perspective makes the Llama appear taller, more powerful, and heroic.
Down Shot
A high angle shot looking down at the Llama. This can make the character look smaller, cute, or vulnerable within the scene.
Over the Shoulder Shot
Views the scene from behind one Llama's shoulder, looking at another. It's a classic technique for filming conversations between two characters.
Two Shot
Frames two Llamas together, usually side-by-side. It establishes the relationship and interaction between the characters.
Point of View Shot
Shows exactly what the Llama is seeing (e.g., holding a map). It puts the audience directly into the character's shoes (or hooves).
Camera Movements
Master these essential camera moves to bring your scenes to life with dynamic motion.
Tracking Shot
Orbit
Left Circling
Right Circling
Push In
Pull Out
Left Walking
Right Walking
Truck Left
Truck Right
Applying this to your storyboards
While a picture often speaks a thousand words, being precise with your language relating to camera shots, angles and perspectives can really make the world of difference when it comes to storyboarding.
These elements possess the power to convey emotions, relationships, and narratives in ways that words alone cannot capture. Mastering the art of communicating through visuals requires a delicate balance of simplicity and precision. Every shot is a brushstroke on the canvas of your story, and with mindful attention to detail, you're primed to craft a masterpiece that captivates and resonates with viewers.
Keep it simple yet specific, and you'll be on track to a brilliant animatic.
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