Camera Practice

     Setting the Scene

    When I started learning how to use the camera, I realized it wasn’t just about recording it also told a story with different shots. I practiced using an establishing shot first to set the scene which helped show where everything was happening before doing other clips.

    Changing perspectives

    I also experimented with a high angle shot, which is when the camera looks down on the subject. This makes the character seem smaller and more vulnerable which is important in showcasing in our film because it adds onto the storyline without any dialogue. Contrastingly, we also did a low angle shot, which makes the subject look more powerful and intense, we decided we can use these shots to compare our lead female protagonist to display her power in our spy thriller. It was interesting seeing how just changing the angle completely changed the mood and perspective our audience would have on the film.

 

    

  How to build suspense

    Since I was inspired by spy thrillers, I also practiced using close-ups to capture serious facial expressions and build tension. I also tried over-the-shoulder shots during conversations to make it feel more dramatic, like someone was being watched. To create suspense, I experimented with slow, steady movement shots to give that secret agent vibe.

    Reflection

Learning these camera shots helped me understand that filming isn’t random, every angle and movement adds meaning. Using techniques commonly found in spy thrillers made my project feel more intense and cinematic instead of just basic recording and it also helps the audience associate these commonly found shots with our film. I hope to use these camera skills towards my opening film so that each shot has purpose and meaning.

Reference

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/tips-and-solutions/filmmaking-101-camera-shot-types?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-the-shoulder_shot?utm_

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-angle_shot?utm_

https://tbclassroomfrankenstein.weebly.com/uploads/3/0/3/7/30377401/glossary_of_film_terms.pdf?

https://www.adobe.com/gr_en/creativecloud/video/production/cinematography/camera-shots-and-angles.html?utm_source

https://tmff.net/basic-shots-in-filmmaking-the-five-essential-camera-shots/?utm_source