Camera Movements

Linking

a shot that links two related objects or subjects by panning from one to the other. This shot is used when it is hard to get the two objects in the frame at the same time. Maybe you follow a jogger running to your left, and as he passes by the "Relay for Life" sign, you stop on the sign. You have now "linked" the participant with the cause he is running for.

Monopod

also called a unipod, is a single staff or pole used to help support cameras, video cameras,binoculars, rifles or other precision instruments in the field.

Slow Zoom

can be a subtle alternative to a dolly movement in locations where there is no room to rig a dolly and track.

Transitions

is any method for switching from one image or frame to another

Rule of Thirds

powerful compositional technique for making photos more interesting and dynamic. It's also perhaps one of the most well known. The shot is divided into 9 equal parts.

Cold Open

simple but effective way to start a story: just start telling it without any other fanfare. A movie is said to have a cold open (def) if we begin seeing the story before the opening credits. Almost unheard of since the earliest days of films — when movies had no credits, period — George Lucas Almost unheard of since the earliest days of films — when movies had no credits, period — George Lucas opened Star Wars Almost unheard of since the earliest days of films — when movies had no credits, period — George Lucas opened Star Wars (1977) with a mostly cold open. That film opens with a title screen, but no credits, and launches right into the story. Lucas' decision to open The Empire Strikes Back (1980) in the same way over the protests of the writers' and directors' unions led to his resignation from those organizations. Since then, the move has become increasingly common, though generally films still have some kind of credit scene at the beginning. For instance, the James Bond movies begin with an action sequence before the credits. Almost every modern American television show eschews opening credits together, starting with a cold open and then a short title scene.

Fades

slowly change to an image from a colored screen or from an image to a color. The fade color is usually black, but not exclusively. Fading to white frequently shows some kind of "explosive" Transition. A fade to red induced the imagery of blood or blue of the ocean Fades often begin and end scenes

Dissolves

very common in movies. A dissolve layers a new image over the old one, gradually increasing the new image's opacity until the transition is complete. Create a "soft" transition.

Angled

When you shoot everything from directly in front, it takes away depth and also seems safe, and sometimes pretty bland. Shooting things like buildings, and especially signs from an angle makes for a more interesting visual.

Tripod

A tripod is a portable three-legged frame, used as a platform for supporting the weight and maintaining the stability of some other object. A tripod provides stability against downward forces and horizontal forces and movements about horizontal axes.

Whip zoom

A very fast/ whip zoom can be used to draw attention to objects in a scene

More W.A.L.L.D.O

After students master these shots, the next step is to COMBINE them now and then. Think about how you can shoot both angled and depth shots at the same time, or low and opposite. WALLDO is something you always have in your tool belt once you learn the techniques, and the best way to learn is by practicing them.

Pan

Is the horizontal axis of camera movement. When the camera pans, it turns left and right. Panning is commonly used to look across a very wide panorama that doesn't fit within the camera frame- a landscape for example. This technique can be used within a scene to follow characters or vehicles as they move.

W.A.L.L.D.O

It is a mental cheat-sheet for shooting video in the field. The shots are creative but also have very practical purposes behind them.

Montage Sequence

Many films use this technique to express the passage of time or a sequence of events with little of no dialog.

Mechanical

Mechanical techniques include the use of devices that allow filmmakers to create unique and interesting camera movements. Cranes and jibs are most common examples of mechanical devices. The camera is mounted on the arm, this arm hinges on a pivot that frees the camera to move through space.

Depth

One of the easiest, but most important WALLDO techniques. Find foreground objects to put in your frame when you shoot. They allow you to add depth to the visuals. For example, a burning building is easy to shoot. But think of the drama you add when you shoot that building with the owner in the foreground, watching his property burn. On a less dramatic level, shooting the outside of your school with branches in the foreground adds depth and makes the shot more interesting.

Wide

Shooting from a distance provides context, and perspective. It shows the viewer the big picture. It establishes location.

Low

Shooting from ground level, or even knee-level, gives viewers a different perspective. Put the camera on the ground to get the feet passing by during the parade. The same approach in your school's hallways can make for an interesting shot as kids walk by on their way to class.

Steadicam

Steadicam is a brand of camera stabilizer mount for motion picture cameras that mechanically isolates it from the operator's movement. It allows for a smooth shot, even when moving quickly over an uneven surface. The Steadicam was invented by cameraman Garrett Brown and was introduced in 1975.

Shooting Ratio

The amount of footage or ratio of footage used in your final project compared to the amount you have filmed. How much of the raw footage have you used?

Pull Focus

The camera operates similarly to the way our vision functions. Our eyes continually alter focus whenever we look at objects at alternating distances in our field of view.

Dolly or Tracking Shot

The camera simply moves horizontally through space. The energy of this technique is similar to a person walking or riding on a moving platform. Dolly movements may or may not use an actual dolly. Generally a platform with wheels. Tracks can be used, as well as a steadicam.

Zoom

The focal length of a camera lens determines the distance that the camera can "see". Zoom allows the focal length to gradually change. With a Zoom, the frame may transition from a wide shot to a close-up without ever moving the camera. Zooms are unnatural and used for effect

The Cut

The simplest of all transitions, may appear almost seamless to the audience, or it may be used to create harsh jumps in time and space

Opposite

This is the reverse angle in video, or the "reaction" shot. The opposite of the running back scoring a touchdown is the shot you get when you turn around and show the cheering crowd. Shooting a guest speaker from in front is the standard shot, but you add a great and unique perspective by shooting from behind her as she speaks, providing her point of view as she looks at her audience.

Tilt

Tilt is the vertical axis of camera movement. When the camera tilts, it pivots up and down. Tilting is commonly used to look over tall objects such as a cathedral or an office building. To conceptualize a Tilt, stare straight ahead and pivot your head to look up and down.

Effects Transitions

Use a special effect to transform one image into another. Examples include wipes, page turns, vertical blinds, and morphing