The types of shots in cinemapeñan a fundamental role in the narrative and aesthetics of an audiovisual project. These not only influence the construction and understanding of a story, but also in the experience, emotions and perceptions of the viewers.
Throughout this article, you will discover the different types of shots in cinema, the function of each of them and their importance in audiovisual creation.
What is a cinema shot?
In cinema, a cinematographic shot is a series of images that form a single shot. A shot is defined by the process of capturing it with the camera, from start to finish, and can have any duration. It is about the cComposition of an image that is generated by stitching together a sequence of frames over a continuous period.
The shot is the basic unit of audiovisual language. It represents an artistic creation in itself and is the first graphic representation of an idea or project. Each shot contributes to the narrative, offers a perspective, establishes a context and is capable of generating different sensations in the viewer.
Types of shots in cinema
Although there are different criteria that determine the types of shots in cinema, we are going to follow one of the most common and used classifications in the audiovisual world, distinguishing: shots according to the framing and shots according to the angle.
Cinema shots according to the frame
These film shots are classified according to the composition of the image and the elements that are included in it.
entire plane
This shot allows you to focus attention on the character, capturing him from head to toe. Help hereontextualize the viewer, providing a clear view of the figure in relation to the environment. The entire shot is widely used in cinema to present and describe characters and to film scenes of action and movement.
American plane
This type of shot in cinema focuses on the character from the head to knees, allowing you to capture both facial expression and part of the body in movement.
The American shot is ideal for showing the interaction between characters and their gestures, maintaining a connection with the environment. It is widely used in cinema for dialogue and action scenes, as it helps create a balance between detail and context, allowing the characters' actions and reactions to be clearly seen.
medium plane
The medium shot presents the character from the waist up, highlighting facial expressions and gestures. This type of shot in cinema is the most suitable for edialogue scenes, since it allows the viewer to understand the emotions and interactions of the characters more clearly.
Foreground
The foreground focuses on the character's face, filming details and emotions of the characters with great clarity. This type of shot is ideal for showing facial expressions and transmit emotions, allowing the viewer to connect more intimately with the protagonists.
Detail plan
The detailed plan focuses on a object or a specific part of the body, such as a hand, an eye, or a significant object in the scene. This type of shot helps highlight key elements and provide specific information to the viewer.
By focusing attention on a particular detail, you can eemphasize the importance of an element of the scene, give meaning to the narrative or intensify an emotion.
Types of Plane according to Angulation
These types of cinema shots are classified based on the angle of the camera with respect to the subject. Professionals alternate these shots to provide different perspectives and visual meanings that influence the viewer's perception.
Chopped flat
In the chopped plane camera is tilted downwards, creating a perspective where the subject appears smaller or vulnerable. This angle can convey weakness or inferiority of the character.
Low Angle Plane
In this type of film shot the camera is tilted upwards, making the subject appear larger and more dominant. This angle is ideal for conveying power, authority or superiority of the character.
Cenital plane
The overhead shot is taken from directly above, providing a full view of the stage. This angle is useful for showing the environment and context of a scene and helps create a feeling of complete observation or control.
Nadir plane
The nadir plane is taken from directly below, just below the subject. This type of angle is less common and is used to create an unusual or dramatic perspective, often distorting the character's figure.
Knowing the types of shots in cinema and their different functions will allow you to make new creative decisions, develop different scenes and visual narratives and enhance your creativity.
