CAMERA MOVEMENTS

Now that you have a good idea of the different shot types in filming, it is time to learn how to effectively move the camera around in a scene.

See below for the different types of camera movement. Note that the information for each camera movement type is from the Storyblocks website.

Zoom

Without a doubt, zooming is the most used (and therefore, most overused) camera movement there is. It is often used as a clutch when the videographer is not sure what else to do to add interest to a shot. If you are going to use zoom, try to use it creatively. Zoom in or out from an unexpected, yet important, object or person in your shot. Use a quick zoom to add energy to a fast-paced piece. Don’t get stuck with your zoom as your default move!

See below for some example zoom shots by director Stanley Kubrick.

Pan

Panning is when you move your camera horizontally; either left to right or right to left, while its base is fixated on a certain point. You are not moving the position of the camera itself, just the direction it faces. These types of shots are great for establishing a sense of location within your story.

See below for examples of pan shots used in the movie The Grand Budapest Hotel.
NOTE: The shot used at 0:24 is actually a tilt shot.

Tilt

Tilting is when you move the camera vertically, up to down or down to up, while its base is fixated to a certain point. Again, like panning, this move typically involves the use of a tripod where the camera is stationary but you move the angle it points to. These shots are popular when introducing a character, especially one of grandeur, in a movie.

Watch the video below for an example tilt shot used in the movie The Shawshank Redemption.

Dolly

A dolly is when you move the entire camera forwards and backwards, typically on some sort of track or motorized vehicle. This type of movement can create beautiful, flowing effects when done correctly. If you want to attempt a dolly, make sure your track is stable and will allow for fluid movement.

See below for an example of the dolly shot used in the movie Citizen Kane.

Hold on … didn’t we say that moving in on the character is using a ‘zoom’ technique? Why is dolly different? Good question my inquisitive friend. Have a look at the video below to learn the difference.

Have a look at this YouTube video to see the dolly, tilt, and pan shot types used together.

Truck

Trucking is the same as dollying, only you are moving the camera from left to right instead of in and out. Again, it is best to do this using a fluid motion track that will eliminate any jerking or friction.

See below for an example of a truck shot.
NOTE: You may also see this referred to as a dolly or track shot.

Pedestal

A pedestal is when you move the camera vertically up or down while it is fixated in one location. This term came from the use of studio cameras when the operators would have to adjust the pedestal the camera sat on to compensate for the height of the subject. A pedestal move is easy to do when the camera is fixated to an adjustable tripod.

The movie Inglourious Basterds uses this type of shot very effectively to provide some additional information to the scene.
NOTE: The pedestal shot begins at the 0:23 mark.

Rack Focus

Rack focus is not as much of a camera move as it is a technique, but many amatuers overlook this essential skill. You adjust the lens to start an image blurry and then slowly make it crisper, or vice versa. It is an extremely effective way for you to change your audience’s focus from one subject to another.

The video below from the movie Casino Royale demonstrates an effective use of rack focus.

Assignment

It’s time to show what you know. Visit the Google Classroom website to start working on the Camera Shot Types and Movements assignment.