When shooting a scene, we have a few options as far as what we are going to do with the camera. There are a lot of factors that go into making the decision, but generally, we can start by answering two questions: 1. How do we want the viewer to see the scene? 2. How can we aid the viewer in understanding what is happening?
Here is a list of basic camera movements that are important to know, in order to help properly communicate the scene to your audience.
1. Locked-Down
We need to start with a baseline, a starting point from where we can grow. A locked-down shot has no camera movement. The camera is put on a stable platform (typically a tripod) and simply captures the action that happens within the frame. Never underestimate a locked-down shot. Sometimes all you need is a simple shot to let your subject convey the message.
2. Pan
A panning shot is when the camera lens moves horizontally from left to right or right to left (usually on a tripod head). The camera acts as the central point of the rotation. This is very similar to how it looks when you move your head while looking from your left shoulder to your right shoulder (or vice versa). A panning shot across a parking lot full of cars would show that a store is busy and packed with customers.
3. Tilt
A tilting shot is similar to a pan, except a tilt is on the vertical plane. The camera lens moves up or down from a stationary starting position. This is similar to the movement of your head when you start by looking at your toes and then look straight up toward the sky. If we wanted to show how tall a building is, we would start with the camera facing the ground level, then tilt up until we see the top floor.
4. Zoom
A zoom shot is starting with a shot of a small subject, far away in the distance way (this is a wide shot), and then manipulating the lens so that the subject appears to be closer (tight shot). A zoom shot could also be the opposite: going from a tight to a wide shot. During a zoom shot, the camera never changes its distance to the subject. It only uses the mechanics of the lens to give the appearance of being closer or farther away. If we wanted to have a nice, tight shot of our subject’s face, so we could see the emotion, but then quickly have a wide shot showing the space around the subject… We could use a zoom shot.
5. Dolly
A dolly shot moves the camera toward or away from the subject. Traditionally, this was achieved by laying “dolly tracks,” which look like miniature railroad tracks, and the camera was either pushed or pulled very smoothly on a cart down the tracks. Dolly tracks and systems are still used, but now camera-stabilizing systems, like Steadicam, have become more popular and prevalent due to their ability to move more freely than dollys, but maintain a smooth shot. A dolly shot and a zoom shot can often accomplish the same goal, but the feeling and mechanics are what make them different. A dolly shot gives the viewer more of the feeling that they are moving toward or away from the subject. If we wanted the viewer to feel like they are walking up to the front desk of a hotel, we would use a dolly shot.
6. Trucking
A trucking shot is similar to a dolly shot, except the camera moves left to right (or right to left) and maintains the same distance from the subject. A good example would be a camera trucking down a dugout, capturing all of the players sitting on the bench. Another example of a trucking shot would be if we wanted to follow a subject walking on a sidewalk passing storefronts. We would need to have the camera in the street, moving parallel with our subject.
7. Pedestal
A pedestal shot is moving the camera up or down while keeping the lens at a constant angle. For example, if we wanted to show our subject’s entire outfit from head to toe, we’d start at our subject’s face and then pedestal down past the shirt, paints, and end at the shoes – the whole time keeping the camera’s lens at a 90° angle to the ground. Pedestal shots are not typically accomplished with a tripod (tripods are best for locked-down, tilt, or pan shots). Instead, a crane or jib would be utilized for a pedestal shot.
Becoming familiar with these shots and knowing when to utilize them adds creativity and a strong professional look to our projects. At Transformation Marketing, we are always striving to be better and we hope that clearing up these terms will help us communicate with our clients. If there is ever anything you need from us to better understand your project, or so that you can better understand what we’re describing to you about your project, please never hesitate to let us know!
Transformation Marketing is a full-service marketing agency near Lincoln, NE. Our team not only can help with video and photography, but also web development, search engine optimization, graphic design, blog writing, programmatic advertising, social media marketing, and so much more. Visit our website or call 402-788-2896!