Medium Shot,close up
Medium Shot
What is a medium shot?
The medium shot, sometimes also called a mid-shot or waist shot, is a film shot that stretches from around the waist (or sometimes the knees) of a subject up to their head. (Sometimes, people also use it to refer to full-length views.)
The exact dividing line between a long shot and a medium shot isn’t precisely defined, any more than the exact division between the medium shot and the close-up. As a general principle, medium shots capture what can be seen with the human eye in a single glance, conveying all of the action happening within that field of view.
The exact dividing line between a long shot and a medium shot isn’t precisely defined, any more than the exact division between the medium shot and the close-up. As a general principle, medium shots capture what can be seen with the human eye in a single glance, conveying all of the action happening within that field of view.
Why use a medium shot?
Show important action and costumes.Glue together separate shots through constant actions.Present visuals that are disarming, comedic, and informal.
Different Types of Medium Shots
There are several variations on the classic medium shot. These variations include:
Medium close-up shot: Shows the character from head to chest or shoulders and minimal settingMedium long shot: Shows the character from head to around the knees and more setting. Sometimes called the ¾ shotCowboy shot: Shows the character from head to just above the knee, where a cowboy’s gun holster would sit. This term is often used interchangeably with a medium long shot.Over-the-shoulder shot: Shows a character captured by a camera that’s behind or over the shoulder of another character. It usually emphasizes the characters’ relationship.Two-shot: Shows two characters in a single frame, usually facing one another or sitting side by sidePoint of view shot: Shows action through a specific character’s eyes, providing insight into their perspectiveHigh-angle shot: Looks down on a subject, giving viewers a feeling of superiorityLow-angle shot: Looks up at a subject, giving viewers a feeling of powerlessness
Medium close-up shot: Shows the character from head to chest or shoulders and minimal settingMedium long shot: Shows the character from head to around the knees and more setting. Sometimes called the ¾ shotCowboy shot: Shows the character from head to just above the knee, where a cowboy’s gun holster would sit. This term is often used interchangeably with a medium long shot.Over-the-shoulder shot: Shows a character captured by a camera that’s behind or over the shoulder of another character. It usually emphasizes the characters’ relationship.Two-shot: Shows two characters in a single frame, usually facing one another or sitting side by sidePoint of view shot: Shows action through a specific character’s eyes, providing insight into their perspectiveHigh-angle shot: Looks down on a subject, giving viewers a feeling of superiorityLow-angle shot: Looks up at a subject, giving viewers a feeling of powerlessness
Close up
What is a close-up shot?
A close-up shot is a photograph or movie shot taken of a subject or object at close range intended to show greater detail to the viewer. If the subject is a person, the close-up starts at the shoulders and ends at the top of the head. You should be able to recognize the imagery in the frame, and if the close-up is on an actor, there will be a much more significant emotional connection between your viewer and the subject or object featured in the shot. Close-up shots signal to the audience that something is important, and this can be a prop or reaction, but often it is best when the subject or object has a significant influence on the story and the viewers understanding of your story.
Why use a close-up shot?
Generate strong emotionsSignal something importantShow an actors facial expressions
Different Types of close-up Shots
There are several variations on the classic medium shot. These variations include:
A traditional close-up shot fills the majority of the frame with a subject—an actor’s face, for instance, with a border just above their head and just below the neck. A medium close-up begins at the subject’s waist or the middle of their torso and stops just above the actor’s head. An extreme close-up takes things to, well, the extreme, completely filling the frame with one specific detail, be it an actor’s body part or a particularly important detail. The extreme close-up is the exclamation point of shots; it paints a feature or emotion in the starkest possible colors. A choker shot lands closer than the typical close-up, but it's wider than an extreme close-up. It begins just below the subject’s mouth and ends at or around the hairline. The choker puts all the emphasis on an actor’s expressions—it’s all eyes and mouth, spotlighting every choice a performer makes with their face.
A traditional close-up shot fills the majority of the frame with a subject—an actor’s face, for instance, with a border just above their head and just below the neck. A medium close-up begins at the subject’s waist or the middle of their torso and stops just above the actor’s head. An extreme close-up takes things to, well, the extreme, completely filling the frame with one specific detail, be it an actor’s body part or a particularly important detail. The extreme close-up is the exclamation point of shots; it paints a feature or emotion in the starkest possible colors. A choker shot lands closer than the typical close-up, but it's wider than an extreme close-up. It begins just below the subject’s mouth and ends at or around the hairline. The choker puts all the emphasis on an actor’s expressions—it’s all eyes and mouth, spotlighting every choice a performer makes with their face.