Storyboarding

Camera Shot Types

The linked video is an older demo for camera shot types. The information is still relevant.

[Camera Shot Types]

Close up (CU)

• The camera is placed 'close' and zoomed in on the subject being shot
• Used to draw more attention to the main subject
• How tightly composed on the subject can determine the level of the viewer response

Medium Shot (MS)

• Labeled as a medium shot because of the distance from the subject
• Medium shots are the average distance between a Close Up shot and a Full shot
• Medium shots are usually used for dialogue between two subjects. Medium shots are considered to be how most people view others during conversation

Medium Long (MLS)

• Medium Long shots, sometimes called an American shot, refers to the distance of the camera from the subject
• Medium Long shots are the average distance between a medium and a Wide shot
• The subject encompasses the frame from the knees up