Research - Cinematography

Cinematography
Cinematography is way of looking at the movement of the camera and how the shots are framed. The different angles allows the audience to see the characters and the importance of their roles and respond differently.
 
Camera angles include the following;

• High angle- this means that the camera is positioned above the character looking  down.
• Low angle  - this means that the camera is positioned below the character which has the opposite effect of high angle shot and makes the character look in status.

 

Shot sizes (camera stays still)

• Close up - This shot shows the characters full face focusing on the emotion of the character rather than the scene or what is happening in the film. The audience is presented with the characters emotions and this would allow them to experience the same emotion e.g. character is scared of something.
• Extreme close up allows the audience to see something in detail, this could be the characters face to show emotion or an item to create tension.
• Medium close up - shows the characters shoulders and face.
• Establishing shots are typically used in the beginning of the film to show the audience where the scene is taking place and also this creates mystery. Usually thrillers star of with a establishing shot and a action causing sound effects or music.
• Over the shoulder shot - this allows the audience to see what is happening in front of the character. This camera view helps the audience to feel like the  character and experience the scenes.
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• Medium shot - this shot is taken from the character waist and upwards, it captures action well.
• Long shot - shows the characters full body.
• Extreme long shot is created to show the scene and the character.

A long shot shows the whole body and shows the actions of what the character is doing. It also gives a understanding to the viewer about the type of place they’re at and allows us to infer what’s happening. The example I’ve given shows what the character is doing and this reflects on the surrounding that he is in.

A establishin shot has been taken in this scene from the Lord of the Rings. This is ussed to show the audience where the scene is taking place and this creates mystery.

Close ups are used to show the characters facial expressions. The image below is from the 'Psycho' movie which is showing a close up to the characters face and it clearly shows the face allowing ther audience to understand the emotions of the character. The charter looks slightly angry, looking straight.

 

This is also from the Psycho movie, it shows a close up to the character face. This shows the female victims face is wet suggesting that she is in the bathroom. Her facial expression clearly shows the fear that she is experiencing.
 Camera movements

•  Planning shot - this is were the camera moves across.
• Tilt shot shows the camera moving up and down.
• Crane shot - the camera is placed on a crane and its movements are flexible which is usually used in the opening scene or chase scenes.

 

Filming techniques

• Point of view is is when the camera shows the scene from the characters point of view.
• Hand held - the camera moves as the character moves.

Conclusion

I have create a post on what cinematography is and what it includes. This research has allowed me to understand what cinematography is and how I may use the different techniques  when creating my own production for AS Media studies.
I think that I might use the low angle camera angle to show high status and also use close up to show emotions to the audience. Also an establishing shot would allow me to introduce where the scene is taking place and also to create mystery and allow the audience to wonder what is going to happen next.