Camera Movements

Pan - A shot where the camera moves continuously right to left or left to right. A pan is used to show movement or establish new settings. It gives the audience a clearer understanding of what is happening. Panning often appears in car chases to emphasize the speed at which the cars are going.

Track - A shot that follows a subject. It can be from behind, along the side or in front of the subject. This shot involves the audience by making them feel like they are in the film/scene. In 'Children of Men' the camera is following a man suggesting that he's the main character.










Tilt - A shot where camera moves Up and Down, High angle to Low angle. High angle makes the object seem inferior and smaller, whereas Low angle makes the object seem bigger and superior. A tilt upwards to the sky is a traditional way to end e film.











Aerial - Overhead shot taken from a high angle, often to establish the setting or movement. Aerial shots are usually taken from a helicopter to make it more effective.

Zoom In/Zoom Out - A shot positioning  a lens with a variable focal length that allows film makers to change the distance between the camera and the subject without physically moving the camera. Zoom is often used at the beginning of the film to establish the character(s) by focusing on them.

Handheld - Handheld cameras give a film a shaky/jerky, unstable feel but they also allow more movement and flexibility while filming unlike the standard cameras. It makes the audience feel as if they're actually there because by making them feel as if they were the ones performing or following the actions happening in the film.

Dolly - A dolly shot is a good way to show the movement in a film or to move from a long shot to a close up. It focuses the audience on a particular object or character.

Steadicam - A shot from a  balanced camera that allows for a smooth, fluid movement.