How: Focus on one object, like an actor's face, and have everything behind him out of focus. Then adjust the focus so his face becomes blurred and the actress behind him becomes clear. In this movement, you are changing the focal length so that one subject will go out of focus while the other comes into focus. The two subjects must be at a correct distance from each other and from the camera for this shot to work.
Why: You are actually making a transition similar to an edit by constructing two distinct shots. You often see the rack focus in dramas and soap operas, changing focus from one actor's face to another during their conversation or tense moments.
Rule: Use a tripod. A rack focus looks bad if the camera is shaky.

Now that you have learned the basic anatomy of camera movement remember this: the best and most versatile shots of all are the standard wide, medium and close-up stationary shots. However, well-executed camera movements are the icing on the video-cake. They add style, feeling and depth to a project. Although we have given you several reasons why you would use each camera movement, these are certainly not the only motivations for moving the camera. Like any artist, you can invent your own reasons for using camera movements. Play around. Experiment. Be an artist. And watch movies, TV and even commercials with the sound off, to see how the camera movement plays out. You'll quickly see how one shot motivates the next and you may begin to predict the next shot or the following sequence. Eventually, with minimum effort, you may be on par with the pros.

Brian Schaller is a former TV news shooter, reporter & producer and is now traveling worldwide working on his documentary.