Opening Shots

An opening shot in a movie/film, is generally a long shot at the beginning of a scene. Commonly used to establish to the viewers where and when the movie takes place.

An opening shot can also be used to present some useful information such as conflict or the atmosphere of the movie. An example would be of the 1975 film Jaws - where as the film slowly fades in from black, the iconic thriller music kicks in as the viewers are presented with a shot of the bottom of the ocean, the camera moving rapidly. This first shot would create an uneasy feeling within the viewers, since the music is unsettling - and the jagged cameras movements could tell you that the camera is most likely following something of some kind of creature under the water; most likely a shark.

Extreme Long Shot

An extreme long shot is generally used to show the entire area that a scene is taking place at, to the audience. 

They can be used to suggest a characters physical or emotional relationship to the environment or the elements within. This shot can also convey how the character has a long journey ahead of them, or that they feel insignificant compared to the ginormous environment around them.

Full Shot

The full shot captures the subjects whole body, from head to toe. The purpose of the full shot is to show a person in relation to the setting and everything around it. The full shot is also used to create an emphasis on the actions of the subject rather than their emotions. Directors usually use the full shot to give context to where the characters are, while also keeping said characters in frame. 

Similarly, you could also use a medium full shot - which will zoom in on the character a little more by leaving their feet out of frame. Putting more emphasis on the subject than the setting.

Cowboy Shot

The cowboy shot originated from early western films, where the shot was used to frame the holster (where the cowboy's gun was kept). Usually, this shot would be carried out during a dual between the cowboy and the classic outlaw. 

The shot is not only wide enough to see the persons upper body but is also wide enough to show a number of other important elements in a scene (such as the setting). 

This kind of shot is used by directors to present the protagonist in a heroic light. Their stance is confident and allows the viewer to be close enough to read the person's emotions and to present critical action around the hip area.

Medium Close-up Shot

A medium close-up shot is captured from the mid-chest up. The purpose of this shot is to focus on the subject in front of you, as the shot only reveals hardly any surroundings. This type of shot is also used to show the facial expressions of the subject - since the audience is very close to their face.

To the left is a medium close-up of a Mr Incredible figurine. 

Extreme Close-up Shot

An extreme close up shot is used in media to show the audience a greater detail that they could have missed within first glance. In a movie about a serial killer, the director may use close-up shots on a person or a piece of evidence that tells you who the murderer could be. This can lead to foreshadowing and allows for the audience to be one-step ahead of the protagonists.

An extreme close-up shot can also be used to portray the emotions a character is feeling - or to manipulate the audience to feel a certain way. For example, if the camera does a close-up on a persons eyes if their pupils dilate - you can tell that they are scared, surprised or nervous.

To the left is an extreme close up of a Mr Incredible figurine.