Camera Movements

STATIONARY:  Recall the lens as if it was an eye, and the remaining parts of the  camera remain at its position. We use these camera movements for the viewer to move with us subconsciously. Our viewer’s eyes can begin to widen or follow, simply by adding these effects.

PAN- We can perform this move by simply pivoting the camera from left or right. We may want to consider using a pan when following someone in a shot, or addressing a large crowd sitting in a row. (Show this on camera) TILT- This is when the camera is tilting upwards or down. We can surely emphasize the height of a tall building by starting way down at the grass and begin by tilting up. (Show this on camera)

ZOOM- Using our zoom control on the camera we can zoom in closer or zoom further from the subject. Most zooms appear at the beginning and ending of a show. Zooming in allows the viewer to feel invited, and welcomed to the show. Towards the end of a segment, we tend to see the camera zooming out, knowing that the show has come to an end and is slowly bringing the viewer further. (Show this on camera)

MOVING THE CAMERA AS A WHOLE UNIT:  Think of the tripod as the legs, and the dolly being the feet. We can really motivate the viewer now by having the camera be part of the action. Your shots will become exciting and that much more effective when the camera movements are not always stationary.

DOLLY- As a whole unit the camera moves towards the subject and away from the subject in a straight line. This is much more deliberate then the zoom because we feel that this is a person, and we see the action through their eyes. (Show this on camera) TRUCK- In trucking we maneuver the entire unit from left or right of the subject. This camera movement can be used for chases, and emphasis on fast motion, or a suspenseful motion of a slow walking character. (Show this on camera) ARCH- In arching we swivel the dolly in a half circle motion around the subject. You are almost combining dollying and trucking at the same time, causing the subject to appear isolated.

Although camera movements are useful, they should not be overused or they will lose their effect. In fact, any camera movement must be planned and rehearsed so that it will be smooth and in tune with the action.