If you’ve ever watched a beautifully shot video and thought, “This feels like a movie,” there’s a good chance the secret sauce wasn’t the gear—it was the shots. Camera angles and framing choices can elevate your storytelling, create emotion, and hold your audience’s attention. Whether you're filming with a phone or a full camera setup, understanding the different shot types is key to making your videos more cinematic.
Why shot types matter
Shot types matter more than most people realize. They help set the tone, convey emotion, and control pacing. Even for something simple like a vlog, interview, or brand promo, using the right shots can make the difference between amateur and professional-looking content. They allow you to guide your viewer through a visual story, and when used with purpose, they can turn even everyday footage into something captivating.
Keep these in your arsenal
Wide Shot (WS) / Long Shot
A wide shot frames the subject from head to toe and includes a significant portion of the surrounding environment. It’s often used at the beginning of a scene to establish where things are taking place. This shot helps viewers understand the setting and gives them context before diving into closer, more detailed moments. In cinematic storytelling, wide shots are powerful for conveying scale, isolation, or simply introducing a character in their world.
Medium Shot
The medium shot typically frames your subject from the waist up. It strikes a balance between detail and context—close enough to catch facial expressions, but far enough to keep the subject in their environment. This shot is commonly used in interviews, conversations, and scenes where body language plays a role. In film, it’s often used during dialogue, allowing viewers to feel connected while still maintaining a sense of space.
Close Up
The close-up brings us face-to-face with emotion. By tightly framing the subject’s face or another key detail, this shot creates intimacy and draws attention to what matters most. Whether it’s a character reacting silently or an object of significance, close-ups are all about emotional connection. In cinema, they’re used to highlight key turning points or inner conflicts, making the viewer feel closer to the story.
