← Tools04 / 05·Shot Decoder

    The language of coverage

    Shot
    Decoder

    Shot size isn't arbitrary. Every choice carries psychological weight. Learn the language of visual storytelling.

    Shot size, framing and the psychology underneath it.Press G — grid
    MS
    Medium Shot
    Frame height
    0.63 × subject

    Medium Shot

    Waist up. The workhorse of dialogue. Neutral, versatile.

    Psychology

    Conversation, normalcy, baseline coverage

    Framing

    Frame cuts at waist level

    Seen in
    • Eighth Grade
    • The Farewell
    • Minari

    Camera Angles

    Eye Level

    Neutral, objective, equality

    Low Angle

    Power, dominance, heroism

    High Angle

    Weakness, vulnerability, inferiority

    Dutch Angle

    Unease, disorientation, madness

    Bird's Eye

    God-like perspective, fate, insignificance

    Worm's Eye

    Extreme power, otherworldly, child's view