CAMERA MOVEMENT
Fifteen Ways to Move a Camera through an Environment Around the Subject.
Static
A Static shot is when the camera does not move at all.
It is usually locked in place, and allows the audience to focus on the shot itself. It is effectively used for dialogue, composition, or to focus on an actor’s performance. It can also be used to trap the audience with the character.
Pan
A Pan shot is when the camera rotates horizontally, but stays fixed in one position.
It is typically used to follow Character’s action, or to reveal new information to the audience and/or the characters. The energy of the Pan also conveys to the audience: a slow pan builds anticipation.
Whip Pan
A Whip Pan is a quick Pan.
It heightens the energy of a Pan shot. It is commonly used when translating high energy narrative: a combative nature between multiple sides, developing a relationship, etc.
Tilt
A Tilt is when the camera rotates vertically, but stays fixed in one place.
It can be used to give a character prominence or showcase their vulnerability. It can also reveal information: a character, a setting, or scale.
Push In
A Push In is when a camera is translated forwards to the subject.
It is typically used to showcase an important element to the story: dialogue, a prop, or even text. It can be used to showcase a character’s thought process, or specifically an internal conflict.
Pull Out
A Pull Out is when a camera is translated backwards away from the subject.
It is typically used to deemphasize the subject, as they grow smaller, and have the audience disconnect from the characters or scene in general. It can be used to unveil context, setting or characters in a scene. It can be used to emphasise negative emotions like isolation or abandonment.
Zoom
Zoom changes the focal length of a camera’s lens without translating any movement to the camera itself. You can Zoom In (lower the focal length) or Zoom Out (increase the focal length).
Similar to Pull Out, it can be used to unveil context. You can Zoom In to direct attention to one specific element, or a slow Zoom to craft uneasiness and tension. This movement has no human equivalent, so this move seems unnatural at times.
Crash Zoom
Crash Zoom is when the camera Zooms quickly and “crashes” into their final focal length.
They can be used for comedic effect, dramatic effect, or both. It is typically used in montage shots when a character is preparing.
Dolly Zoom
A Dolly Zoom combines Dolly movement with Zoom to create the “Vertigo Effect”. There are two ways to achieve a Dolly Zoom, and each has their own effect: positive or negative psychologically.
The Camera can Dolly In and Zoom Out. This allows for the background to become larger while maintaining the scale of the foreground. It is used to show internal or external conflict.
The Camera can Dolly Out and Zoom In. This allows for the foreground to dominate the scene as the background reduces in scale. It can be used to place the background into the scene.
Camera Roll
A Camera Roll rotates the Camera on its sides’ axis, while maintaining the lens’ direction.
A Camera Roll disortients the audience and upsets their equilibrium. It can also affect a character’s movement in moments of panic or conflict. It can make the audience unsettled, or reiterate themes.
Tracking
A Tracking shot moves the camera through a scene, typically following a subject. They differ from Push In and Pull Out: they don’t move to or from the subject, but rather with.
This movement is typically used when characters are on the move, and the audience is following them to their goal. It raises two questions: “Where is the character going?” and “What will happen when they get there?” They can be used to build tension in a scene where the audience is anticipating the characters’ destination.
Trucking
A Trucking shot moves the camera sideways, while maintaining focus on the subjects.
Similar to the Trucking shot, this movement is typically used when characters are on the move, and the audience is following them to their goal. It raises two questions: “Where is the character going?” and “What will happen when they get there?” They can be used to build tension in a scene where the audience is anticipating the characters’ destination.
Arc
An Arc shot orbits the camera around the subject. The arc shot is typically horizontal, but can also be vertical.
This movement is typically used for creating energy in a scene while the characters are standing still. It keeps the audience’s focus on the subjects for a variety of reasons: intimacy, panic, or heroism. It can also add tension to a scene where characters stand still and engage in intense conversation.
An arc shot is typically steady and slow, but when sped up it creates a dizzying effect: perhaps to reflect a character’s mental state.
Boom
The Boom movement moves the Camera vertically: up or down.
This movement’s use is dependent on its speed. Small Boom movements are typically used to reveal information, while Large Boom movements are used to follow characters in action. Both can also be used to reveal the world around a character, or reveal a character themselves, such as an antagonist.
Random Movement / Camera Shake
Random Movement / Camera Shake moves the camera with its focus on the subject, but with no specifically planned movement to the camera.
Camera Shake is added to capture a subjective view of the experience for a more intimate effect. These movements (combined randomly with the previous movements) can be used to create a documentary look, or the impression that these events are happening in real time. It can also be used to contrast character: the planned movements to represent calm, and the Random Movements to represent chaos and intense emotions.
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