Camera Techniques

Tracking shots
A tracking shot is any shot where the camera moves alongside the object/s it is recording. In cinematography,
the term refers to a shot in which the camera is mounted on a camera dolly that is then placed on rails like a
railroad track. The camera is then pushed along the track while the image is being filmed. A tracking shot
generally runs alongside its subject since the tracks would be visible in a shot of any distance that moved
toward or away from its subject. The technique is often used to follow a subject that would otherwise leave the
frame, such as an actor or vehicle in motion.
Over the shoulder shot
An over the shoulder shot is a shot of someone or something taken from the perspective or camera angle from
the shoulder of another person. The back of the shoulder and head of this person is used to frame the image of
whatever or whomever the camera is pointing toward. This type of shot is very common when two characters
are having a discussion and will usually follow an establishing shot which helps the audience place the
characters in their setting.
Tilt shot
Tilting is a cinematographic technique in which the camera stays in a fixed position but rotates up/down in a
vertical plane. Tilting the camera results in a motion similar to someone raising or lowering their head to look up
or down. It is distinguished from panning in which the camera is horizontally pivoted left or right. Pan and tilt can
be used simultaneously.
Crane shot
A crane shot is a shot taken by a camera on a moving crane or jib. Most cranes accommodate both the
camera and an operator, but some can be moved by remote control. Camera cranes go back to the dawn of
movie-making, and were frequently used in silent films to enhance the epic nature of large sets and massive
crowds. Another use is to move up and away from the actors, a common way of ending a movie. Crane shots
are often found in what are supposed to be emotional or suspenseful scenes.
Zoom shots
The technique allows a change from close-up to wide shot (or vice versa) during a shot, giving a
cinematographic degree of freedom. Zooming can either be performed towards longer focal lengths, giving a
"zoom in" effect. The filmed object will then increase in apparent size, and fewer objects become visible on film.
Or it is performed towards shorter focal lengths, giving a "zoom out" effect. The filmed object will shrink in
apparent size, and more objects come into view. The speed of the zoom allows for a further degree of
cinematographic freedom. Combined with a dolly camera move it is possible to create the dolly zoom effect