Reading Time: 5 minutesCowboy Shot Definition & Meaning A cowboy shot, also known as an “American shot” or “plan américain,” is a medium-long shot that frames the subject from approximately mid-thigh to the top of their head, often positioning the camera slightly lower at hip level. As such, it bridges the gap between wide and close-up shots, maintaining… Continue reading What is a Cowboy Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
Camera Shots & Angles
What is a Medium-Long Shot? Definition & Film Examples
Reading Time: 6 minutesMedium-long shot Definition & Meaning A medium-long shot, also called medium full shot (MFS) or ¾ shot, frames a subject from approximately the knees up. It allows us to see the character’s body language and facial expressions while maintaining some environmental context. Why use a medium-long shot? Think of a medium-long shot as the perfect… Continue reading What is a Medium-Long Shot? Definition & Film Examples
What is a Full Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
Reading Time: 5 minutesFull shot Definition & Meaning A full shot (FS) shows the entire human body from head to toe within the frame. The frame typically has some headroom and a bit of space below the feet, just enough to let the character breathe in the composition. Directors often use full shots to establish a character’s relationship… Continue reading What is a Full Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
What is a Wide Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 5 minuteswide shot Definition & Meaning A wide shot (WS), also known as a long shot, shows your entire subject and their surroundings. Think of it as taking a step back to see the complete picture – not just the actors but the world they inhabit. Wide shots are often used as establishing shots and combined… Continue reading What is a Wide Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
What is an Over-The-Shoulder Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 5 minutesOver-The-Shoulder Shot Definition & Meaning An over-the-shoulder (OTS) shot frames one character from behind the shoulder and the partial head of another character in the foreground. It is typically used to help orient the viewer and establish connectedness between characters in dialogue scenes, such as to create intimacy or confrontation between them. Why use an… Continue reading What is an Over-The-Shoulder Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
What is a Bridging Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 3 minutesbridging shot Definition & Meaning A bridging shot is a transitional shot that connects two disconnected moments in a film’s story. It creates a smooth visual connection between scenes separated by time, location, or both. While viewers might not consciously notice these shots, they help the audience understand when and where they are in the… Continue reading What is a Bridging Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
High-Angle Shots in Film: Definition, Use, and Examples
Reading Time: 7 minutesIn a high-angle shot (aka top angle shot), the camera is elevated and looks down on the subject. This angle can vary from slightly above eye level to a steep, almost overhead position. It can provide narrative information not achievable by other angles, highlight vulnerability, and communicate large-scale environments. While often used to diminish the… Continue reading High-Angle Shots in Film: Definition, Use, and Examples
What is an Extreme Close-Up Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
Reading Time: 5 minutesextreme close-up (ECU) Definition & Meaning An extreme close-up (ECU) is a framing technique that focuses on a tiny subject detail, isolating a specific feature, such as an eye, a hand, or part of an object. ECUs magnify the subject to the point where the surrounding context is minimal or absent, drawing our attention to… Continue reading What is an Extreme Close-Up Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
What is an Extreme Long Shot (Extreme Wide Shot) in Film? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 7 minutesExtreme Long Shot Definition & Meaning An Extreme Long Shot (or Extreme Wide Shot) (ELS or EWS) is a framing technique that captures a subject at a significant distance, often reducing the subject to a small figure within a vast environment. The primary purpose of an ELS is to serve as an establishing shot, providing… Continue reading What is an Extreme Long Shot (Extreme Wide Shot) in Film? Definition & Examples
What is an Overhead Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 6 minutesoverhead shot Definition & Meaning An overhead shot is when the camera is positioned directly above the subject, looking straight down, emphasizing geometry, spatial relationships, and object placement. It’s closely related to the bird’s-eye view shot. However, the two differ subtly: a bird’s-eye view typically offers a broader, more distant perspective (often from an aerial… Continue reading What is an Overhead Shot in Film? Definition & Examples