In film and video production, a field size or shot size refers to how much of the subject is visible within the frame of the camera. It is a way of describing the relative distance between the camera and the subject being filmed, and it is an essential component of visual storytelling in film.
We have explored the most basic shot sizes in cinematography in THIS POST. Apart from the field size, you can also differentiate them in regard to how many subjects are in the frame. Here are the most basic examples:
Two Shot
This shot shows two subjects in the frame together, often to convey their relationship or dynamic.
An example of this shot can be seen in "Pulp Fiction" (1994), which shows the characters Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in a two-shot as they discuss the meaning of a foot massage.
Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)
This shot shows one subject from behind the shoulder of another subject, often used in dialogue scenes. OTS shots are commonly used to connect characters within the space of the scene, providing a sense of spatial continuity and helping to establish the relationships between characters. By showing both characters in the same shot, OTS shots allow the audience to see the reactions of each character as they speak or interact with one another. This can be especially effective in dialogue-heavy scenes, where the reactions of each character are an important part of the scene's emotional impact.
A great example of this is a scene from "No Country for Old Men" where Anton Chigurh is threatening a clerk.
The OTS shots are a tool to bind these two characters together in the space and make the tension more visible.
Point-of-View Shot (POV)
This shot shows what the character is seeing from their own perspective, often used to put the viewer in the character's shoes.
In "The Graduate" (1967), there is a famous POV shot where the audience sees the world through the scuba diving mask of Dustin Hoffman's character, Benjamin.
In this shot, we see a distorted view of the world as if we're underwater, with objects appearing larger and closer than they actually are. This POV shot serves to highlight Benjamin's feelings of confusion and uncertainty as he tries to navigate the complexities of adult life. It also creates a sense of detachment and alienation from the world, which is a recurring theme throughout the film. Overall, this POV shot is a powerful visual representation of Benjamin's inner turmoil and sense of disconnect from the world around him.
Interested in mastering shot sizes and taking your cinematography skills to the next level? Watch my concise course, 'Fundamentals of Cinematography: Every Shot Size Explained,' where I'll explain the most important shot sizes and their functions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced filmmaker, this course is designed to help you choose the right shot size to make your actors' performances really shine. We'll go through every major shot size and provide examples from my own films and other well-known movies to illustrate their use and professional vocabulary.
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