Whether you ace a director, camera operator, or comics artist, you have co make conscious decisions about all aspects of "shot" composition, including how far away the "camera" will be, what vantage point the spectator wiil see the action from, and how distance and camera angle will change from shot to shot as the scene progresses. The vantage point of the spectator, or point of view, will in turn determine the perspective, how the objects in the frame appear relative to the homon line. Decisions made about how to frame a scene for a screen or panel will determine whether the shot will enhance or detract from narrative power.

Deciding where to place the camera in each shot should never be arbitrary. Camera angles provide narrative focus for the artist. For example, a worm's eye view of a standing subject makes that person appear tall and domineering. A down shot accomplishes the reverse and diminishes the same person. Whenever possible, camera angles should be motivated - camera placement is, in a sense, where the reader is placed

Extreme Long Shot (ELS)

This is one of the many common framing techniques that span all visual storytelling media. It is used to orient the viewer to where the character(s) are, who the character(s) are, and the spatial relationship between characters and their environment. It is also used to depict vistas and as an ESTABLISHING LONG SHOT. In comic books and interactive games, these are drawn from such a great distance away that object details, such as cars or people, are not clearly visible.

Long Shot (LS)

Used to depict the entire area of the action.

Medium Long Shot (MLS)

This is typically used to present a full length view of the character(s) or the action, but not the full set or environment.

Medium Shot (MS)

This one is used to depict characters above the knees or below the waist to the head (see above). It may involve several characters within the frame, but reveals facial expressions. In comic books, the Medium Shot can also mean having the figures (or main object) visible from head to toe (see below).

Medium Close Up (MCU)

In each of the visual storytelling media, this is used to depict characters midway between the waist and the shoulders to above the head — usually half their body length is visible.

Close Up (CU)

This is a shot where the head, hand, etc., fills the frame from just below the shoulders to above the head.

Extreme Close Up (ECU)

This is an "in your face' shot. The "camera' comes in so tight on an object that only a small portion is visible.

Over the Shoulder Shot (OSS)

One of Wally Wood's "22 Panels that Always Work,' and a very common cinematic approach to depicting two characters conversing. It includes the back of the neck or the shoulder of one character (in the foreground) on one side of the frame, while another character is open to the "camera.'

Dolly Shot

When the camera moves into or away from the subject, described as Dolly In or Dolly Out. This one is usually film specific and can be confused with "Zoom Shot." However, this involves a constant depth of field, and not using a zoom lens, which may change the perception of the environment.

Zoom

Used to bring the image from wide angle to telephoto by narrowing the angle of view of the lens. (Zoom In) or bring the image from telephoto to wide angle. (Zoom Out) by enlarging the angle of view or the amount of the environment visible within the frame.

Zooming, along with and instant-to-instant form of shot, can be a great device if used correctly. It is an easy way to show movement, even if none is taking place. You can also use it to build suspense, drama or to force a reader to focus in on something or someone specifically. Some interesting uses of zooming are:

1. Zoom in as a character approaches the picture plane.
2. Zoom out as a figure recedes into the panel.
3. Great way to show danger, etc. - close in as you zoom in on something/one.

Tracking Shot

When a camera moves on tracks with a moving subject.

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Low Angle Shot

When the camera is placed below eye level and tilted upward.

High Angle Shot

When the camera is placed below eye level and tilted downwards.

Bird's Eye View

An extreme down-shot from far overhead, and sometimes used as an establishing shot. Traditionally, many 2D interactive role-playing games use a bird's eye view of the environment and characters.

Reaction Shot

This scene can be used to depict a character's reaction to dialogue or action.

Dissolve

The overlapping of the fading out of one shot and the fading in of another, giving the impression that the second shot appears out of the first. Also sometimes called Lap Dissolve.

Fade

Used when the shot is to gradually disappear into black. (Fade Out) or to gradually appear out of the black (FADE IN).

Wipe

Two shots in which the second pushes the first off the screen (optical effect)

Superimposition

Overlapping two or more images so that these two or more images can be seen on the screen at the same time.

Off-Camera (OC) or Off-Stage (OS)

Dialogue delivered without being on screen.

POV Shot

Point-of-View shot; camera angle from the perspective of one actor.

Stage Right

To the performer's right side, to the audience's left side. Likewise, Stage Left is to the performer's left, the audience's right. Stage directions are for actors, not audiences, therefore they are always given from the actor's point of view to the audience.

Up Stage

(a) The area located at the back of the stage. Down Stage is the area in front of the performer.

(b) To draw attention to oneself at the expense of a fellow performer.