Print out our shot sizes handout
Young people often shoot everything medium wide; when, as viewers, we really want a variety. Look at films with them, getting them to watch carefully for the three main shot types and the ways they are edited together.
wide shot or long shot
LS
A wide shot or long shot usually covers a large area, and is created by placing the camera well back from the subject. Its main use is as an 'establishing shot' defining where the action takes place.
Wide shots are more correctly called long shots; however, we like the simplicity of the term wide shot. It also avoids confusion with a 'long lens' (often used for close-ups) or a shot of a long duration
variety, economy, style
A variety of shots is essential to keep it interesting, and to get across the necessary information. However, it can be tempting, when you've got the hang of this shot sizes business, to use extraneous shots, when simplicity might say more.
It is useful to be able to describe shots so on set communication becomes clearer and faster. It also encourages clarity in shot choices.
medium shot
MED
Medium shots cover a whole host of different things and can encompass medium close, medium wide or a two shot
the close up
CU
Close-up shots (cu) keep the audience involved. The face of your villain or hero arguing, spying on someone, thinking etc; or they can also be crucial elements of the action - a key turns in a lock, a pill drops into a glass! The close up can be very effective when used sparingly. Save it for that special moment
The close-up says everything - Marlon Brando
Find out about loads of other types of shots: the two shot, dutch, high and low angle