Camera Shots in Horror Films

As we are now starting to film our opening sequence, research on different camera shots would enable us to get the biggest effect to affect the audience.  Below are a list of camera shots that are commonly found in horror movies:



Extreme Close Up:
A shot taken very close to the subject often used to show emotion.

(Picture from The Ring)









Close Up:
A shot taken of the subject (further away from an extreme close-up) to show reactions and emotion.

(Picture from Paranormal Activity)

POV Shot (Point of View):
A shot that is taken from the subjects point of view (looking at something).

(Picture from Nightmare on Elm Street)






Medium Shot:
A shot from a medium distance to show the subject and sometimes another object/subject involved.

(Picture from The Shining)







Long Shot:
A shot taken to show the whole of the subject and potentially the situation they are in.

(Picture from The Cabin in the Woods)







Low Angle Shot:
A shot taken from a lower angle (normally lower than the eyeline) from where the subject is to create effect.

(Picture from Nosferatu)





Panning Shot:
A shot where the camera moves slowly across the set from one side to the other from a fixed angle.