A reference guide for the different types of shots and their purpose in storytelling

Aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers need to have a deep understanding of the different types of shots used in movies. Each type of shot serves a specific purpose and can evoke different emotions and reactions from the audience. By mastering the use of different shots, filmmakers can create a specific visual language that enhances the storytelling and makes their films more engaging.

Learning about the different types of shots used in movies is an essential part of becoming a skilled filmmaker or cinematographer, but is also incredible important for stunt and action actors too - the more you understand each shot the better you understand what it's capturing and how you can best act and react within the frame.

​Each type of shot serves a specific purpose and can be used to create a specific effect or emotion in a scene. By understanding the nuances of each shot type and how to use them effectively, filmmakers can create powerful and memorable films that resonate with their audiences.

1. Establishing Shot
   Also known as Master Shot or Wide Shot A shot that is used to establish the location or setting of a scene. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or sequence to give the audience a sense of where the action is taking place.
   An iconic example: 
   ​The opening shot of "Gone with the Wind" (1939) shows an establishing shot of the vastness of the plantation and the surrounding landscape, setting the scene for the story that is about to unfold.
   
   
2. Master Shot
   A Master Shot is a type of wide shot that captures the entire scene from start to finish, including all the action and dialogue. It is typically used as a reference point for editing and helps to establish the geography of the scene, showing the placement of characters, objects, and their movement within the frame. The Master Shot is often the first shot filmed in a scene and is used to establish the overall tone, mood, and atmosphere of the scene. It is also used to provide context and continuity for the rest of the shots in the scene.Wide Shot (WS) - also known as Long Shot (LS) or Full Shot (FS) A shot that captures the entire scene and shows the subject in relation to the surroundings. It is typically used to establish a location or setting.
   An iconic example: 
   The opening shot of "Jaws" (1975) is a Master Shot that shows the beach and the ocean, establishing the setting and the mood of the film. It shows the geography of the area, the size of the beach, and the distance between the people on the beach and the ocean. The Master Shot is then followed by a series of other shots that build tension and suspense as the shark approaches, but the Master Shot provides the initial context for the rest of the scene.
   
   
3. Tracking Shot
   Also known as Dolly Shot or Travelling Shot A shot that follows the movement of the subject and is often used to show action or movement.
   An iconic example: 
   The opening shot of "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) shows a wide shot of the desert landscape and the tiny figure of T. E. Lawrence riding his camel in the distance.
   
   
4. Medium Shot (MS)
   A shot that shows the subject from the waist up and is often used in dialogue scenes.
   An iconic example: 
   The "I am your father" scene from "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) uses a medium shot of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader facing each other as the pivotal moment of the film.
   
   
5. Close-Up Shot (CU)
   A shot that focuses on a specific detail or part of the subject, such as the face, and is used to convey emotion or emphasize a particular aspect of the scene.
   An iconic example: 
   The iconic shower scene from "Psycho" (1960) uses a close-up shot of the knife slashing through the water to create a sense of horror and tension.
   
   
6. Extreme Close-Up Shot (ECU)
   A shot that is used to show extreme detail on a specific part of the subject, such as the eyes, and is often used to create a sense of tension or drama.
   An iconic example: 
   The opening shot of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (1966) uses an extreme close-up shot of a pair of eyes to create a sense of intrigue and mystery.
   
   
7. Over-The-Shoulder Shot (OTS)
   A shot that is taken over the shoulder of one character, showing the other character in the scene. It is often used in dialogue scenes.
   An iconic example: 
   The scene between Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling in "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) uses an over-the-shoulder shot to create a sense of intimacy and unease.
   
   
8. Two-Shot
   A shot of two people in the frame, typically used to show their relationship or interaction.
   An iconic example: 
   The final scene of "Casablanca" (1942) uses a two-shot of Rick and Captain Renault as they walk into the fog, creating a sense of ambiguity and emotional resonance.
   
   
9. Point-Of-View Shot (POV)
   A shot that is taken from the perspective of a character, showing what they see or experience. It is often used to create a sense of immersion or realism.
   An iconic example: 
   The opening sequence of "Saving Private Ryan" (1998) uses a point-of-view shot to show the chaos and confusion of the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach.


10. Crane Shot
    A shot that is taken from a crane or elevated platform and is often used to show a large area or sweeping shot.
    An iconic example: 
    The opening shot of "The Godfather" (1972) uses a crane shot to show the entire wedding party, establishing the size and scope of the Corleone family.
    
    
11. Steadicam Shot
    Also known as Steady Shot or Glidecam Shot A smooth, stable shot that follows the movement of the subject. It is often used for action scenes or long takes.
    An iconic example: 
    The tracking shot through the nightclub in "Goodfellas" (1990) uses a Steadicam to create a sense of excitement and immersion in the world of organized crime.
    
    
12. Handheld Shot
    Also known as Shaky Cam or Documentary Shot A shot that is taken with a camera that is held by the operator and is often used to create a sense of realism or chaos.
    An iconic example: 
    The battle scenes in "Saving Private Ryan" (1998) use handheld shots to create a sense of chaos and disorientation, putting the audience in the middle of the action.
    
    
13. Low-Angle Shot
    Also known as Low Shot or Worm's Eye View A shot that is taken from a low angle, typically below eye level, and is often used to create a sense of power or dominance.
    An iconic example: 
    The scene of the T-Rex breaking out of its enclosure in "Jurassic Park" (1993) uses a low-angle shot to create a sense of power and awe.
    
    
14. High-Angle Shot
    Also known as High Shot or Bird's Eye View A shot that is taken from a high angle, typically above eye level, and is often used to create a sense of vulnerability or weakness.
    An iconic example: 
    The opening shot of "The Shining" (1980) uses a high-angle shot to show the vastness of the mountains and the isolation of the hotel.
    
    
15. Dutch Angle Shot
    Also known as Canted Angle or Oblique Angle Shot A shot that is taken with the camera tilted to one side, creating a sense of disorientation or unease.
    An iconic example: 
    The interrogation scene in "The Dark Knight" (2008) uses a Dutch angle shot to create a sense of tension and unease as the Joker taunts Batman.
    
    
16. Insert Shot
    Also known as Detail Shot or Cutaway Shot A close-up of an object, such as a key, that is shown to provide additional information or context to the scene.
    An iconic example: 
    The close-up of the lighter in "No Country for Old Men" (2007) is an insert shot that provides crucial information and foreshadows the events to come.
    
    
17. Cutaway Shot
    Also known as Insert Shot or Reaction Shot A shot that is inserted into a scene and is not part of the main action. It is often used to show a reaction or response to something happening in the scene.
    An iconic example: 
    The shot of the clock ticking in "High Noon" (1952) is a cutaway shot that creates a sense of urgency and impending danger.
    
    
18. Reaction Shot
    A shot that shows a character's reaction to something happening in the scene. It is often used to convey emotion or add humor.
    An iconic example: 
    The reaction shots of the audience in "Rocky" (1976) create a sense of excitement and anticipation during the final fight scene.
    
    
19. Reverse Shot
    Also known as Shot/Reverse Shot or Eyeline Match A shot taken from the opposite angle of the previous shot. It is often used in dialogue scenes to show the conversation from different perspectives.
    An iconic example: 
    The dialogue scenes between Agent Starling and Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) frequently use a reverse shot to show the characters' perspectives and reactions to each other. By showing the conversation from each character's point of view, the audience is able to see their expressions and emotions, which adds depth to the scene and creates a more immersive experience. 
    
    
20. Close-Up Insert
    Also known as Cut-In or Cut-In Close-Up A shot that is similar to an insert shot, but is used to show a close-up of a specific part of the subject, such as a hand or a face.
    An iconic example: 
    The close-up shot of Marcellus Wallace's soul patch in "Pulp Fiction" (1994) is an example of a close-up insert that provides a specific detail to the character's appearance.
    ​
21. POV Insert
    Also known as Subjective Shot or Eyeball Close-Up A shot that is similar to a point-of-view shot, but focuses on a specific object or detail within the character's view, such as a sign or a clock.
    An iconic example: 
    The shot of the poisoned coffee cup in "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013) is an example of a POV insert shot that shows a specific object within the character's view.
    

Note: This list isn't exhaustive and there are different terms used in different regions or productions, but that should be plenty to get you started and also help you see how directors and cinematographers use shots to help tell their story or immerse the audience in the details of a scene or moment