• Introduction
• Pre-Production
• Director/Actor
• Cinematography
• Production Design
• Post-Production

Camera moves

Camera shots and angles use the same principles of design as other visual arts such as painting and still photography. Film, however, adds the dimension of movement to the art form; that is, it is possible for the frame to move with respect to the framed material. This is accomplished by camera movement. There are several kinds of camera movement, and each creates a specific effect onscreen.

“Pan” movement rotates the camera on horizontally, and “tilt” rotates the camera on a vertical axis as if it were tilting up and down. In “tracking” and “dolly” shots, the camera changes position along the ground. In the “crane shot” the camera moves above ground level. Finally, “handheld” shots create a bumpy, jiggling image since the camera is not anchored on a tripod or dolly.