Camera Movements Explained with Examples
Many different camera movements exist to make a production come together. There are options relative to each angle and shot and position. Combining the movements with various other cinematography techniques will achieve the desired look. In fact, there are endless options when you use camera movements and techniques to make the most out of your production. Follow along as we show you.
CAMERA PAN
The camera pan involves the cameraman moving the camera along a horizontal axis to the left or right so that you can capture a wider area of the set. This is often used to establish the location of a story. Camera pan shots do not move the actual camera base, as it remains fixed to a certain point.
Rotating the camera in a way that allows the position to remain in place while the filming direction changes is used to follow characters as they move or to fit more than one character into a frame. Panning is also sometimes used in a landscape to help create a sense of the place and show the location.
CAMERA TILT
The camera tilt is used similar to the camera pan but the camera looks up and down rather than side to side. With the camera tilt, the motion allows for a larger area of the scene vertically to fit into a single frame.
Camera tilting is produced by slowing moving the camera up or down while the unit itself remains fixed. This allows for the appearance of a bigger object or can be used to make a subject appear larger.
CAMERA ZOOM
Camera zoom is the most widely used process or camera movement there is. This involves using the camera to add interest to a shot by creatively zooming in out of an area.
Camera zoom is important as it allows the object or person in the shoot to become the main event of the shot. Use camera zoom to create a sense of energy for the shoot or to build a fast-paced scene.
PEDESTAL SHOT
The pedestal shot is used to move the camera upwards or downwards relative to the subject in the frame. Unlike titling in which the camera stays fixed and just tilts, the pedestal shot involves fully moving the camera in its entirety up or down. The result is a view in which the subject can be framed at eye level within the camera viewer.
CRANE
The crane movement or crane shot involves using the camera on a jig or crane so that you can achieve a closer or more elevated shot. This is used to improve the usability and repeatability of the shot so that the camera can achieve the desired view. Using the crane movement, the camera crew can highlight the loneliness of a character or show their fate in a situation that is otherwise tricky.
TRUCK
Camera trucking is similar to dollying in that you are moving the camera but you move the camera from left to right rather than forward or backward. The entire camera and associated equipment is moved when you truck the camera so that there is a fluid motion and there are no signs of jerking or tweaking as you move the camera from left to right.
STEADICAM
Steadicam shots involve the movement of the camera with stabilized motion so that there is a smooth and isolated movement. The smooth shot that comes from a Steadicam shot is only achieved with a professional cinematographer that truly knows and understands how to work the Steadicam. This comes with time and experience in the industry.
For a closer look at venues that lend themselves well to this style, explore these six wedding venue types made for cinematic videography.
HANDHELD
Handheld shooting involves the use of the camera in a way that involves actually holding it rather than using a tripod. The operator holds the camera so that they can use various camera techniques and movements such as panning, tilting, zooming or other combinations of these movements by simply moving their feet in the appropriate direction.
Handheld shots are bouncy and not always ideal but they can be used for capturing news or a documentary film.
RACK FOCUS
Rack focus is a shot that involves adjusting the camera lens from the beginning so that the image is rather blurry and then readjusting to shift the focus so that the image becomes crisp. This can also be performed backwards such that you would adjust the camera so that the shot is crisp to begin with and then blurry to end.
DOLLY
The dolly shot involves moving the entire camera so that it can become closer or further from the subject. The dolly shot typically takes place along a track or with a motorized vehicle that moves the camera forward or backward.
The movement of a dolly shot is fluid and uniform so that the appearance is as if you were walking closer or further from the subject.
FLOATING CAM SHOT
The floating cam shot is another term used to describe a Steadicam shot. This is the process of using the Steadicam technology to capture the shot in a way that allows for maximum stability and movement. Professional cinematographers can capture a wide range of camera movements and angles using the Steadicam.
PUSH-IN SHOT
The push-in shot involves physically moving the camera closer to the subject, typically using a dolly or Steadicam. Unlike a zoom which changes the focal length, a push-in maintains the spatial relationship between the subject and the background while moving through the physical space.
This movement is used to draw the audience’s attention to a specific detail or to enhance intimacy. It often signals a moment of realization, an internal thought process, or a shift in a character’s emotional state.
PULL-OUT SHOT
The pull-out shot is the exact opposite of a push-in, where the camera smoothly pulls away from the subject. This expands the field of view to reveal more of the surrounding environment and context.
Filmmakers use the pull-out to create a sense of distance, isolation, or loneliness for a character. It is also highly effective for unveiling a setting or concluding a scene by detaching the audience from the immediate action.
TRACKING SHOT
A tracking shot involves the camera physically moving through the scene for an extended period to follow a subject. This can be achieved using a dolly, Steadicam, gimbal, or even a vehicle to maintain fluid motion without cutting.
Tracking shots are used to immerse the audience in the action and showcase a dynamic environment. They are excellent for following a character’s journey and building continuous tension or energy within a scene.
ARC SHOT
The arc shot, also known as an orbit shot, involves the camera circling around a subject in a semi-circle or full 360-degree pattern. The subject typically remains relatively stationary while the camera moves around them.
This movement adds dynamism to a static scene and is frequently used to build intensity or emphasize a character’s power. It is a staple in dramatic or romantic moments to heighten the emotional stakes.
WHIP PAN
A whip pan, or swish pan, is a variation of the standard pan shot where the camera rotates horizontally at a very high speed. The movement is so fast that the image blurs into indistinct streaks.
Whip pans are used to inject high energy into a scene or transition rapidly between two subjects or locations. They can act as a stylistic transition that connects two characters dynamically without relying on a traditional cut.
BOOM SHOT
The boom shot, or jib shot, is a vertical camera movement achieved by placing the camera on a mechanical arm, crane, or jib. Unlike a tilt, the entire camera physically moves up or down through space.
Boom shots are used to capture grand establishing shots or reveal a vast landscape. A boom up can convey triumph or scale, while a boom down can draw the viewer into an intimate or grounded moment.
AERIAL SHOT
An aerial shot is captured from an extremely high altitude to provide a bird’s-eye view of the action or landscape below. Traditionally shot from helicopters, these are now commonly achieved using drones.
Aerial shots are used to emphasize the magnitude of a story or establish the geography of a location. They provide an omniscient perspective that can make characters appear small or insignificant against their environment.
CRASH ZOOM
A crash zoom, or snap zoom, is a rapid zoom in or out that happens so quickly it creates a jarring visual effect. This is often executed manually by whipping the zoom ring on the lens.
The crash zoom is used for comedic effect, to emphasize a sudden realization, or to introduce an element of surprise. It is a highly stylized technique frequently found in action cinema and comedies.
ROLL SHOT
The roll shot is a rotational camera movement where the camera tilts over its side along its long axis. This essentially spins the frame and changes the orientation of the horizon.
Camera rolls are used to create a dizzying, unnatural, and disorienting effect. Filmmakers employ this technique to visually represent a world turned upside down or to elicit a strong sense of discomfort in the audience.
CRAB SHOT
A crab shot is a specific type of tracking or dollying movement where the camera moves side-to-side at a constant distance from the action. The movement is similar to a crab walking laterally.
This movement is used to follow action laterally across a scene. It maintains a consistent framing of the subject while revealing the environment they are moving through.
THE ONER
The oner, or long take, is a continuous shot that lasts for an unusually long time without any cuts. While technically a combination of movements, it often encompasses an entire scene in one fluid motion.
Long takes are used to create a highly immersive, real-time experience for the audience. They build incredible tension, showcase complex choreography, and allow actors to perform without interruption.
STATIC SHOT
A static shot, or fixed shot, is where the camera is locked off on a tripod and does not move at all. The only movement occurs within the frame by the actors or the environment.
Static shots are foundational for dialogue-heavy scenes, allowing the audience to focus entirely on the actors’ performances. They are also used to emphasize precise composition, symmetry, or a sense of stillness.
