Types of Shot Sizes:

Extreme Wide or Extreme Long Shot:

In an Extreme Wide or Extreme Long Shot, also known as  

Establishing Shots. In these shots the location of the location is higher than the subject. They provide context for the audience and also suggest the isolation of the subject. They also suggest unfamiliarity of the subject with the location.

Wide Shot or Long Shot:

In a Wide Shot or Long Shot, the subject is framed from head to toe but the subject does not fill the frame completely. It shows the place of the character in the film to give context and set the scene.

Full Shot:

In a Full Shot, the subject is framed from head to toe, the emphasis is more on actions rather than emotions or expressions.

Medium Wide or Medium Long Shot:

A Medium Wide or a Medium Long Shot, comes between a full shot and a medium shot. It frames the subject from the knees upwards.

Cowboy Shot:

A Cowboy Shot came from the westerns in the 30s and 40s, it is slightly longer than the medium shot. It also includes a gun holster.

Medium Shot:

A Medium Shot is a staple in filmmaking, in this shot the character is shown from the waist upwards. It includes the environment along with the emphasis on emotion. Medium Shots are also good for conversation.

Medium Close-up:

In a Medium Close up the subject is framed from the chest or shoulders up. This shot is used to communicate emotions especially when the subject is addressing the audience.

Close-up Shot:

In a Close-up Shot, only the face of the subject is captured, this shot is used to emphasise facial expressions and emotional state.

Extreme Close-up Shot:

Extreme Close-up shots are extremely intense, they focus solely on a cropped area of the face. For example the eyes, nose and mouth. If a person is crying the emphasis will only be on one eye to show emotional depth, even if the subject doesn’t say much or doesn’t express at all. Extreme close up is a powerful shot size used in films.