Best Cinematography Techniques

Cinematography is a key part of making films and uses all sorts of camera techniques to visually tell the story in a movie. It involves a lot of different filmmaking techniques, including how to set up the lights, choose the lenses, and move the camera. These images grab the audience’s attention and guide them to see what the filmmaker wants to highlight. For those who want to learn cinematography techniques, it can seem like a pretty complex form of art. By getting to know the different methods used in cinematography, you can use them to make your own videos look amazing and professional.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different techniques used in cinematography and understand how each one works.

20 Best Cinematography Techniques

Here are some simple techniques that everyone can use to learn more about making movies. Remember, making a movie is not just about what you film, but also how you film it. Read our article to discover visual storytelling and tips to keep the audience interested in your movie.

Here we will discuss about the 20 best cinematography techniques and their examples for better understanding: 

Extreme Long Shot 

The extreme long shot takes in a vast area, setting the scene for the story that’s about to unfold. It’s like stepping back to take in the entire view, placing characters within a larger context that often feels grand and expansive. This technique can make characters appear small against their environment, emphasizing the scale and the setting.

Examples:

• In “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” there are sweeping shots of the characters as they traverse the epic landscapes of Middle-earth.
• “Lawrence of Arabia” features vast desert scenes, with the tiny figures of the characters set against the immense expanse of sand, showcasing the harsh and overwhelming environment.

Bird’s-Eye Shot 

The bird’s-eye shot is an aerial view that can make the world seem orderly and patterned, often used to establish a sense of place from a god-like perspective. It’s as if you’re seeing the world from the viewpoint of a bird in the sky, everything laid out below you in miniature. This can be disorienting or clarifying, depending on how it’s used, and often provides a dramatic overview of a setting.

Examples:

• In “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” the bird’s-eye view is used to show the intricate, colorful design of the hotel and its surroundings.
• “The Shining” uses an aerial shot in the opening scene to follow the car through the winding mountain roads, establishing a feeling of isolation.

Long Shot 

The long shot frames characters so that they are still distinguishable but also shows a large portion of their surroundings. It’s like sitting across the room and watching someone: you can see their body language and get a sense of the space they’re in. This shot is great for showing characters in relation to the world around them.

Examples:

• In “Titanic,” long shots of the ship at sea emphasize the size of the Titanic in comparison to the vast ocean.
• “Gladiator” frequently uses long shots in battle scenes to show the scale of the armies and the chaos of combat.

Medium Shot 

The medium shot is intimate without being too close—it usually frames characters from the waist up, making it ideal for seeing interactions between people. It’s the cinematic equivalent of sitting across the table from someone; you’re part of the conversation, observing the dialogue and the nuances of their expressions and gestures.

Examples:

• In “Pulp Fiction,” medium shots are used during the iconic diner scenes to focus on the characters’ interactions and expressions.
• “Forrest Gump” uses medium shots to draw viewers into Forrest’s storytelling on the bench, connecting them to his emotional journey.

Close-Up Shot 

The close-up shot magnifies the face, often filling the frame with a character’s features to capture every flicker of emotion. It’s like standing nose-to-nose with someone, seeing every detail: the twitch of a muscle, the welling of a tear. This technique is powerful for conveying deep emotions and drawing viewers into the character’s experience.

Examples:

• In “The Godfather,” close-ups of Michael Corleone’s face reveal his internal struggles and the subtle shifts in his character.
• “Black Swan” uses close-ups to capture Nina’s psychological breakdown, focusing on her intense and fearful expressions.

Extreme Close-Up 

Shot The extreme close-up shot zooms in even tighter than a standard close-up, isolating a portion of the face or a single detail. It’s like looking through a magnifying glass, where every tiny aspect becomes significant. This shot can be used to create tension, highlight an important object, or reveal a character’s most intimate emotions.

Examples:

• “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” uses extreme close-ups during the standoff scene to heighten tension by focusing on the characters’ eyes.
• In “Jaws,” extreme close-ups on the characters’ faces amplify the horror as they encounter the shark.

Crane Shot 

The crane shot involves moving the camera above the ground level, often sweeping through the air to provide a dynamic perspective. It’s akin to the feeling of lifting off the ground and soaring over the scene, offering a majestic and sometimes omniscient view of the action.

Examples:

• “Gone with the Wind” features a famous crane shot that pulls away from Scarlett O’Hara to reveal the wounded soldiers in Atlanta, emphasizing the scale of the Civil War’s impact.
• The opening of “La La Land” uses a crane shot to transition from a traffic jam into a musical number, smoothly moving between the cars and dancers.

Tracking Shot 

A tracking shot follows the movement, keeping pace with the characters or traveling through a space to reveal more of the scene. It’s like gliding alongside the action, keeping viewers engaged with the movement and offering a fluid, continuous look at what’s happening.

Examples:

• “Goodfellas” has a famous tracking shot that follows Henry and Karen through the back entrance of a nightclub, immersing the audience in the world of the characters.
• “Children of Men” contains several long tracking shots that follow the characters through intense action sequences, never breaking away from the moment.

Panning Shot 

The panning shot rotates the camera horizontally from a fixed position, like turning your head to watch someone walk by. It’s a natural way to survey a scene or follow action, often used to introduce a setting or move the audience’s focus from one subject to another without cutting.

Examples:

• “The Sound of Music” opens with a panning shot over the mountains before settling on Maria, creating a sense of grandeur and freedom.
• In “Casablanca,” panning shots are used to reveal the bustling activity and diverse clientele of Rick’s Café.

Tilt Shot 

The tilt shot moves the camera vertically, either up or down, akin to nodding your head. It can reveal the height of a building, the length of a body, or the depth of a pit, and is often used to build anticipation or give a new perspective on a scene.

Examples:

• “Psycho” uses tilt shots to slowly reveal the Bates Motel and the imposing house on the hill, creating a sense of unease.
• “Vertigo” employs tilt shots to emphasize the dizzying heights and the main character’s fear of falling.

Pedestal Shot 

In a pedestal shot, the camera moves vertically up or down, similar to being on an elevator. This technique can create a sense of rising or sinking within a scene, often used to reveal more of the environment or change the audience’s viewpoint relative to the characters.

Examples:

• “Amélie” uses pedestal shots to creatively transition between scenes, adding whimsy to the storytelling.
• “The Lion King” includes pedestal shots that elevate to reveal the vastness of the Pride Lands and the animals gathering for Simba’s presentation.

Dutch Angle Shot 

The Dutch angle shot tilts the camera, making the horizon appear at an angle. It’s like tilting your head sideways, which creates a sense of disorientation or tension. This technique can be used to suggest psychological unease or to give a scene an unsettling atmosphere.

Examples:

• “The Dark Knight” uses Dutch angles to convey the Joker’s chaotic nature and the disarray he brings to Gotham.
• “The Third Man” famously employs Dutch angles to enhance the film’s noir atmosphere and the protagonist’s sense of alienation.

Over-the-Shoulder 

Shot The over-the-shoulder shot is framed from behind one character, looking at another. It’s like peeking over someone’s shoulder in a conversation. This shot is commonly used in dialogue scenes to show interactions between characters and can bring the audience into the exchange, as though they are a participant.

Examples:

• In “The Social Network,” over-the-shoulder shots are used during intense dialogue scenes to draw viewers into the characters’ debates and confrontations.
• “Schindler’s List” uses over-the-shoulder shots to create emotional connections between characters and the audience during pivotal conversations.

Zoom Shot 

The zoom shot changes the camera’s focal length, bringing the subject closer or pushing it away. It’s like squinting your eyes or looking through binoculars to get a better look at something. This shot can direct the audience’s attention, making them focus on a particular detail or seeing the bigger picture.

Examples:

• “Jaws” uses zoom shots to create the illusion of the shark rapidly approaching its victims, intensifying the scenes of attack.
• “The Graduate” employs zoom shots to isolate the protagonist, Benjamin, highlighting his emotional isolation and confusion.

Point-of-View Shot 

The point-of-view shot shows what a character is seeing, offering a glimpse through their eyes. It’s as if you’ve stepped into their shoes, seeing the world from their perspective. This technique can create a sense of immersion and help the audience understand a character’s experience and reactions.

Examples:

• In “Halloween,” point-of-view shots are used to let audiences see from the killer’s perspective, adding to the horror and suspense.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” includes point-of-view shots from Scout’s perspective, inviting viewers to see the world from a child’s viewpoint.

Arc Shot 

The arc shot circles around a subject, much like walking around someone to get a better look at them. It can bring focus to a character or object while also adding a dynamic, almost theatrical quality to the scene.

Examples:

• “The Matrix” features arc shots that revolve around the characters during fight scenes, adding to the film’s signature style.
• In “Requiem for a Dream,” arc shots are used to intensify the characters’ emotional states and to give a sense of their disorienting experiences.

Dolly Shot 

A dolly shot involves the camera being mounted on a wheeled vehicle that can move smoothly along tracks or on the ground. It’s like being in a moving car, watching the world slide by the window. This technique can be used to follow characters as they move, maintain a consistent distance with the action, or smoothly guide the audience through a scene.

Examples:

• In “Goodfellas,” a dolly shot follows Henry Hill as he leads his date through the back rooms of a restaurant, creating a sense of depth and continuity in the environment.
• “The Shining” uses dolly shots to follow the young boy Danny as he rides his tricycle through the eerie hotel corridors, adding to the suspense and sense of foreboding.

Handheld Shot 

Handheld shots are when the camera is carried by the operator, often leading to a shaky or more erratic visual. It’s like running with a camera in your hand, capturing the moment in a raw, unfiltered way. This technique is great for creating an intimate, documentary feel or for making the audience feel like they’re part of the action.

Examples:

• “Saving Private Ryan” uses handheld shots to capture the chaos and intensity of the D-Day landing, placing the audience right in the middle of the battle.
• “The Blair Witch Project” relies on handheld camera work to create a sense of realism and heighten the fear and tension in its found-footage horror narrative.

Steadicam Shot 

A Steadicam shot utilizes a camera stabilizing mount to combine the smooth motion of a tracking shot with the versatility of handheld camera work. It’s like gliding through the air, watching the scene unfold with a smooth, floating perspective. This technique allows for fluid movement while keeping the shot steady and is often used for complex, moving scenes that require a sense of immersion without the distraction of camera shake.

Examples:

• “Rocky” features a famous Steadicam shot as Rocky Balboa runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, creating an iconic and uplifting moment.
• “The Shining” uses Steadicam shots to follow Danny as he moves through the hotel, creating an eerie sense of isolation and a smooth perspective on the unsettling environment.

High-Angle Shot 

The high-angle shot looks down on the subject from above, often making them appear small, vulnerable, or less powerful. It’s like watching someone from a balcony or a high window. This angle can be used to communicate a sense of inferiority or to give the audience a broader context for the action taking place.

Examples:

• In “Citizen Kane,” high-angle shots are used to diminish the characters in the vast space of Xanadu, emphasizing their isolation and the grandeur of the setting.
• “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” uses high-angle shots to show the scale and magic of the Hogwarts School, giving viewers a sense of awe and wonder.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering cinematography techniques is key to elevating the visual storytelling in films. As we’ve explored various filmmaking techniques, from lighting to camera movements, it’s clear that each element plays a crucial role. For beginners and professionals alike, understanding and applying these camera techniques can significantly enhance the visual appeal and emotional impact of their work. Remember, continuous learning and practice are essential. The resources like video tutorials and e-books mentioned earlier are great starting points. By focusing on these areas, anyone interested in cinematography can improve their craft and contribute to the art of filmmaking.

Best Cinematography Techniques – FAQs

What does a cinematographer do?

A cinematographer is responsible for capturing the visual essence of a film, deciding on the lighting, framing, and camera movement to tell the story.

Why is the choice of camera angle important in film?

Camera angles help convey emotion, perspective, and narrative, influencing how viewers feel and understand the story.

Can cinematography affect a film’s mood?

Yes, cinematography is crucial in setting the mood, using lighting, color, and shot composition to evoke specific emotions.

What’s the difference between a dolly shot and a tracking shot?

A dolly shot moves the camera on a wheeled platform, while a tracking shot can involve a camera on a track, dolly, or even handheld.

Are handheld shots always meant to be shaky?

Not always; handheld shots can be relatively steady, but they have a sense of movement and immediacy that differs from stabilized footage.

 What is a Steadicam shot used for?

A Steadicam shot is used for smooth, stable camera movement even when filming on uneven terrain or moving through spaces.

Does a high-angle shot always make characters look vulnerable?

Often, but not always, high-angle shots can also be used simply to give an overview of a scene or show a character in context.