CAMERA MOVEMENTS: SEVEN ESSENTIAL MOVEMENTS
In, When To Move The Camera During Filmmaking: There’s Only 3 Reasons, we highlighted the three reasons for moving the camera. However, there are many camera movements to be considered when it comes to moving the camera. In this post, Camera Movements: 7 Essential Movements, we cover seven of those camera movements.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 6 Essential Must Have Equipment For The Independent Filmmaker
PAN
Generally done on a tripod, this is when you move the camera horizontally (left to right, vice versa).
TILT
This shot is also performed on a tripod. It’s when you move the camera vertically (up, down or vice versa).
PEDESTAL
Not tilting, but physically moving the height of the camera up or down, usually on a tripod. This is often referred to as “pedding” the camera up or down.
TRACKING/DOLLY
The camera is set on tracks or wheels (“railroad track”) and moved towards or back from the subject being recorded. Tracking shots can also be done with the camera moving alongside the subject that is being recorded.
FLOATING DEVICE (e.g., Steadicam)
Floating devices mount/strap to the camera operator. The camera itself is mounted by a series of metal joints controlled by gyroscopes. The camera operator can then move with his/her subjects with smooth motion. The gyroscopes isolate the floating device from shock and vibration, giving a steady feel to the moving shot.
CRANE/BOOM/JIB
This works and looks similar to a construction crane. It is used for high sweeping shots or to follow the action of your subject.
HANDHELD
Handheld is when a camera is held in the camera operator’s hand versus being mounted on a tripod or other base.
Handheld camera shots are usually done purposefully to give a shaky camera effect.
CONCLUSION
We hope that this introduction into camera movements can be useful to you in your filmmaking endeavors. If you’d like to delve deeper into camera movements we recommend you read Jeremy Vineyard’s book, Setting Up Your Shots: Great Camera Moves Every Filmmaker Should Know. Though it’s available on Amazon you may also find it at your local library. It’s a simple but yet powerful book. It has over 100 storyboards with simple descriptions.
VIEW FILMS ON MARILYNFILMS.COM
Below is a button link to view films available here on MarilynFilms.com. We encourage you to support independent filmmaking by viewing the films and we’d love to hear your take on them. You can simply comment below or send us your comments via our CONTACT page.
SHOW LOVE
Hey, why not subscribe to our newsletter? We’ll keep you updated with everything MarilynFilms.com and you’ll receive promo codes directly to your inbox (one email a month).
Also, would you share this article? It’s extremely helpful in our mission to promote independent filmmakers and their films. You can do so simply by clicking on your favorite of the social media icons listed below (scroll down). Cheers ??.
