Camera Techniques

Camera movements are imperative in media texts, as they have an impact on how the consumer interprets the material they are viewing. It ensures that the consumer's attention is drawn into what the director feels are pivotal moments in the production.

There are a number of camera techniques/movements used throughout the film industry all used to construct different concepts/meaning within the media text, it is important we explore the nature of different shots as they could benefit us in our feature.

Tilt Shot

A tilt is characterized by a camera lens moving up or down whilst anchored to a horizontal axis. In essence, a tilt is not too dissimilar from nodding your head. Below is an example of a tilt shot, the Sistine Chapel being the subject of the tilt.

Pan

A pan shot, similar to a tilt shot, is specified by it's rotation on an axis that remains anchored. However, it differs in the sense that it moves horizontally, left and right.

Tracking Shot

A tracking shot requires a camera dolly - a set of rails on which the camera (supported by a stand) coasts across in order to follow a subject that remains within the confines of the shot frame.Tracking shots are utilised specifically to draw attention to a specific subject in order to manipulate the audience. A variant of the tracking shot is an 'onride' shot - a shot that involves filming whilst on a vehicle or amusement ride, to document a route.

Dolly Zoom

Dolly zooming is a cinematic technique employed to zoom either in or out of the backdrop whilst simultaneously maintaining the size of the subject within the confines of the camera. This gives an abstract effect very appealing to the eye.