Let Us Learn The A-Z Of Camera-Yashvi

Mr. Pawan Koundal, from IP College gave an insight of Camera and its various angles, shots and movements. This is what he had to share:

• Angles: Angles show the relation between object being photographed and camera. A right camera angle is sure to optimize the impact of the picture multiple times and give an emotional touch. These are some of the popular camera angles used extensively:

o Bird’s View Angle/Aerial view/Aerial Viewpoint: It shows a scene directly from overhead. It is widely used in documentaries and sports.

o High Angle: A crane is used to shoot this angle and the camera is elevated above the action. Here, the subject is made to look insignificant as the camera looks down.

o Low Angle: This shot makes the subject look stronger and powerful as the subject is shown from below.

o Canted Angle: The camera is tilted to suggest imbalance, instability and transitions. This shot gives the feeling of ‘suggestion of point of view angle’.

o Eye Level Angle: This is also referred to as real-world angle. Here is subject is made to look real.

• Shots: Shots are described in relation to a specific subject. Given below are the popular types of shots:

o Extreme Close Up: this shot is preferred when facial features are to be highlighted in very dramatic scenes.

o Big Close Up: It is a tight close up or full head shot. This shot is taken when emotions and expressions are dominant.

o Close Up: A particular feature of the subject takes up the entire frame. This is widely used by news channels-head and shoulder shot of the news anchors.

o Medium Shot: Covers the subject body above the waist. It is taken to show a particular part of the subject in more detail.

o Medium Close Up: It lies between close up and medium shot. This shot shows the body above waist without getting awkwardly close.

o Mid Long Shot: In this shot subject is shown above the knees and even the background is dominant.

o Wide Shot/Long Shot: The subject takes up the whole frame. It is the perfect establishing shot.

o Extreme Long Shot: The purpose of this shot is to show the subject's surroundings. The subject is often not visible.

o Over The Shoulder Shot: This shot is taken from behind a person who is looking at the subject. The person facing the subject occupies almost 1/3rd of the frame. This shot get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.

• Movements: Camera movements define the relationship between the subject and the camera frame. It shapes the perspective of the space and time of the viewer. It even controls the delivery of narrative information. Following are the various types of camera movements:

o Pan: It is the horizontal camera movement. Here the camera moves left and right about a central axis.

o Tilt: It is a vertical camera movement. Here the camera points up or down from a fixed location.

Overall, the class was very informative and interesting.