Camera Shots and Angles

Using the documentary style film 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' I have identified numerous camera shots and angles which I will attempt to include within my documentary.

HIGH-ANGLE SHOT - When the camera angle is located above the eyeline. This angle is usually used to make someone appear as vulnerable or of less importance however this would not tend to be the case within a documentary. Instead, this could be used to fit numerous people into one shot as seen below.

MID SHOT - They attempt to show what you would see when looking at a person in real life. Mid shots work well when the intent is to deliver information and allow for movement such as hand gestures as seen in the supporting image. I could use this when interviewing a subject.

CLOSE UP SHOT - These are used to ensure the audience notice something relevant or of importance.  They can show detail or emphasise a persons emotional state by giving the audience a clearer view of their face. I could use close ups within my documentary to show something that the subject is talking about as they do so.

TWO SHOT - A natural way to introduce two people and follow their interaction without getting distracted by their surroundings. 

 OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT - This is framed from behind a person who is looking at the subject. It is common to cut between these shots during a conversation, alternating the view between the different speakers and I may choose to include this within my own work if I feel it is necessary.

LOW-ANGLE SHOT - A shot from a camera angle anywhere below the eyeline looking up. It can be used to make a person look powerful which I don't feel will be necessary within my documentary however it could be used to express or exaggerate the size of a motorbike.

LONG SHOT - Shows an entire object or human figure and places it in relation to its surroundings.

  

ESTABLISHING SHOT - Usually the first shot of a new scene, designed to show the audience where the action is taking place.