Shot Types Articles

• Close Up
• Cut-away
• Extreme Close Up
• Extreme Wide
• Hitchcock Effect
• Medium
• Over-the-shoulder
• Reaction Shot
• Two Shot
• Wide

• Camera Moves: Back to Basics
  July, 2012
  by Kyle Cassidy
  If you want to get serious about shooting, it's not enough to watch movies and emulate the masters, you need to know the terms of the shots and what they mean.
• 5 Tips for Handheld Shooting
  December, 2011
  by Jennifer O'Rourke
  Whether you're out for a quick shoot, or are lugging your gear a long distance, you can't always take a tripod along. Here are some tips for hand-held shooting…
• Sony NEX-VG10 Camcorder with Interchangeable Lens Reviewed
  November, 2010
  by Mark Holder
  If you're looking for near-prosumer performance on a sub-prosumer budget then you'll want to have a serious look at the Sony NEX-VG10.
• The Art of the Cutaway
  February, 2008
  by Eric Ossohou
  While you plan the scene and dialog details for your videos, you need to remember to plan for cutaways as you take that journey down the path to good…
• Dynamic Chase Scenes
  January, 2008
  by Peter John Ross
  Introducing an exciting new feature from Videomaker: Interactive tutorials! Every month these articles will link to an on-line training video and clips you can…
• Lighting Car Interiors
  January, 2008
  by Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D.
  Did you ever notice that in the movies we never have a problem seeing a person's features while he's driving down the road? Even at night?
• Nine Digital Cinematography Tips
  August, 2007
  by Kyle Cassidy
  So you know about medium shots, wide shots, closeups and even extreme closeups. But why do your videos still lack that special zing?
• Videotaping Sporting Events
  May, 2007
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Football, baseball, hockey, tennis. Swimming, cycling, running and lacrosse. Sports shooting is an art unto itself, and every sport has shooting hurdles to…
• Vidcast Recap: Videomaker Presents
  May, 2007
  by Jennifer O'Rourke
• Shot Lingo
  April, 2007
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Tips to define the shot you want, and the language to create it.
• Directing a Fall
  April, 2007
  by Dr. Robert G. Nulph
  Physical comedy has been a hallmark of the film industry since the early days of the silent film.
• Stage It!
  March, 2007
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Look, Ma!! I'm famous! The stage exists for one reason:
• Videotaping Conversations
  December, 2006
  by Hal Robertson
  Tips for to improve conversation audio in your video
• Getting Started: Sideline Video: Shooting Sports
  December, 1996
  by Jim Stinson
  Videotaping sports events can be just as challenging as the games themselves. Here's a few hints to help you hit a home run with your viewers.
• Camera Work: Shot Language
  March, 1995
  by Jim Stinson
  Shot Language
• Routes to Roots: Easy Video Family Histories
  August, 1998
  by Jim Stinson
  More and more families are realizing the benefits of video family histories. By combining those old photos and some simple interview techniques, you can make family keepsakes for future generations.
• Crafting Skillful Interviews
  February, 1998
  by Jim Stinson
  Need to shoot an important interview? Learn the craft of staging interviews for the camera by following these expert techniques.
• Steal from the Best
  April, 1998
  by Jim Stinson
  Compare the style and technique of eight great film makers as we demonstrate what you can learn from the masters.
• Going Wide: How To Use A Wide-Angle Lens
  April, 1998
  by David W. Scott
  There's a whole wide world hidden right in front of your camcorder. In these pages, find out how to use a wide-angle lens to free your vision.
• Edit Suite: It's About Time: How To Control Pacing
  April, 1998
  by Jim Stinson
  Make your videos more interesting by manipulating time.
• Getting From Here to There: Transitions for the "Cuts-only" Editor
  September, 1998
  by Gene Bjerke
  Transitions from scene to scene can be the thread of consistency that turns an ordinary home video into a comprehensive story.
• Edit for Effect
  November, 1998
  by Jim Stinson
  In this editor's workshop, learn how to take the same shots, and edit them together in nearly an infinite number of ways. We'll give you the script and the…
• Getting Started: Space, Time and Videotape
  November, 1998
  by Arthur Aiello
  The camcorder allows you to warp time to your advantage.
• Personal Trial of the Video Helmet
  November, 1998
  by Larry Lemm
  In Box
• Shooting A/B -roll: Tips for Single camera A/B-roll Shooting
  January, 1999
  by Mark Bosko
  With a little creativity and a technique called A/B-roll shooting, even the single-camera videographer can reap the benefits of a two-camera shoot.
• Getting Started: Copy Stand Shooting
  February, 1999
  by Arthur Aiello
  It's the best way to shoot art, photos and small objects in extreme closeup.
• Edit Suite: The Power of the Cut
  May, 1999
  by Jim Stinson
  The simplest transition effect may also be the most powerful.
• Take Five: Five Tips for Wonderful Wildlife Video
  September, 1999
  by Chuck Peters
  Tips on shooting videos in the wild.
• Getting Started: Lens Techniques
  November, 1999
  by Arthur Aiello
  Your camcorder's eye - the lens - can create come interesting focal effects.
• Video Warm-ups
  February, 2000
  by Stephen Muratore
  Practice makes perfect. Try these simple exercises that all videographers can use to improve their shooting skills.