Cinematography
Cinematography is the combination of the techniques described in this chapter. This includes camera shots, camera angles, camera movement and lighting. Use the term cinematography to group all of these together, for example, 'The cinematography in that film was exceptional.'
Camera shots
A camera shot is is the space seen on one shot or frame. film shots are used to show the different settings, character and theme. camera shots are very important there are different types off camera shots:Extreme long shots: this shot contains a large amount of landscape.often used in the beginning of a film.
Long shot: it's the same as the extreme long shot but gives the viewer a clear close up image of the setting.
Full shot: contain a full viewer of the characters. from this shot the viewers can see the costume of the characters and their relationship with other characters
Mid shot: this is a shot which is waist up from the character. from this shot viewers ca see the face of the character clearly
Close up: contains one characters face or any other object. it shoes the emotions of the character
Extreme close up:this technique is most common in horror movies
CAMERA ANGLE
camera angle an camera shots are two different things. do not confuse them both. camera shots are used to show the characters expressions and feeling and the surrounding around them. camera angle are positioned in a way to show the audience the relation ship between the two characters. The following are examples of camera angles:
Birds eye angle: is an angle that looks directly down at a scene.
High angle: An angle that looks directly down at a subject. A character shot with a high angle will look vulnerable or small These angles are often used to demonstrate to the audience a perspective of a particular character.
Eye level angle: this angle puts the audience in the same prospective as the character.
Low angle: this shows the character from below making them look more powerful and dominant.
slanted: this is also known as Dutch tilt this is where the camera is tilted to one side so the horizon is on the angle. this creates an dramatic effect.
Camera movement
A crane shot: is often used to signify the end of a film or a scene. The effect is achieved by the camera being put on a crane that can move upwards.
Tracking shot/ dolly shot: have the same effect a tracking shot moves on tracks. A dolly shot is mounted on a trolley. this camera movement is used in a number of ways normally used to explore a room. By using a tracking shot or a dolly shot the composer of a film gives the viewer a detailed tour of a situation. its also can be used to follow a character.
Panning: is used to give the viewer panoramic view of a set or a setting. this can be used to establish a scene.
Tilt:Vertical movement of the camera angle, i.e. pointing the camera up and down (as opposed to moving the whole camera up and down)
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Lighting
Lighting is a very important aspect for shaping meaning in films. What kind of atmosphere is created in a room lit by candles? Have you ever heard of mood lighting? A room that is brightly lit by neon lights might seem to be sterile or a shadowy room might be eerie or scary. The lighting technicians in a film crew have the task of creating lighting to suit the mood and atmosphere of each scene in a film.
Remember that lighting is used in still image visual texts as well as in films.
