Three Factors of Camera Angle- Subject Size

The image size, the size of the subject in relation to the over-all frame, determines the type of shot photographed. The size of the image on the film is determined by the distance of the camera from the subject, and the focal length of lens used to make the shot. The closer the camera; the larger the image. The longer the lens; the larger the image. The converse is also true.

Image size may vary during the shot by moving the camera, moving players, or employing a zoom lens. The camera may pan or dolly so that the subject is brought closer to or further away from the lens. The players may move toward or away from the camera. The zoom lens may be varied in focal length as the scene progresses. Thus, a long shot may graduate into a close-up; a close-up become a long shot, in a single shot.

Extreme long shot

An extreme long shot depicts a vast area from a great distance. It may be used whenever the audience should be impressed with the huge scope of the setting or event. An extremely wide angle static shot is usually more adaptable for extreme long shots than is a panning camera movement. The pan should be employed only when it increase in interest, or reveals more of the setting or action, as it progresses. The static shot should be used whenever a map type shot, which establishes the geography of the locale, is desirable. Extreme long shots are best filmed from a high vantage point, such as a high camera platform, the top of a building, a hilltop or a mountain peak; or from an airplane or helicopter. A large ranch, a farm, a city skyline, an industrial complex, a mountain range; or a mass movement such as a cattle drive, a ship convoy or a moving army, may be very impressive as opening shots to introduce a sequence or to begin a picture. Such massive shots set the scene for what follows by putting the audience in the proper mood, and providing them with the over-all picture before introducing characters and establishing story line. Whenever possible, extreme long shots should be filmed to open up the picture on a grand scale, and capture audience interest from the start.

Long shot

A long shot takes in the entire area of action. The place, the people, and the objects in the scene are shown in a long shot to acquaint the audience with their over-all appearance. A long shot may include a street, a house, or a room, or any setting where the event takes place. The long shot should be employed to establish all elements in the scene, so that viewers will know who is involved, where they are located as they move about, and when seen in closer shots as the sequence progresses.

Medium shot

A medium shot may be better defined as an intermediate shot because it falls between a long shot and a close-up. Players are filmed from above the knees, or from just below the waist. While several players may be close enough to record with clarity their gestures, facial expressions and movements.

Reference:

Mascelli, J. V. (1965). The Five C's of  Cinematography. The United States: radstone publications.

All of pictures are from "lifted" made by Pixar in 2006.