Camera movements in cinematography refer to the ways in which the camera can move during filming to create different effects and convey different emotions.
Some common camera movements include:
Pan: A horizontal movement of the camera on its axis, often used to show a wide view or to follow a moving subject.
Tilt: A vertical movement of the camera on its axis, often used to show a tall building or to create a sense of awe.
Zoom: A change in focal length of the camera lens that creates the illusion of the camera moving closer or further away from the subject.
Dolly or Tracking: A movement of the camera on a track or wheeled platform, often used to follow a moving subject or to create a sense of movement.
Crane or Boom: A movement of the camera on a crane or boom arm, often used to show a high angle or to create a sense of height or depth.
Steadicam: A handheld device that stabilizes the camera and allows for smooth, fluid movements while walking or running.
Each of these camera movements can be used in different ways to create different effects, depending on the context of the scene and the filmmaker's creative vision. For example, a slow, steady dolly shot can create a sense of calm or contemplation, while a fast, jerky handheld shot can create a sense of chaos or urgency. Understanding how to use camera movements effectively is an important skill for any filmmaker.
Here are some examples of different camera movements in cinematography:
Pan: The opening shot of The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) by Wes Anderson features a slow pan across a snow-covered landscape.
Tilt: The famous "vertigo shot" in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958) uses a combination of a zoom and a tilt to create a disorienting effect.
Zoom: The opening shot of Jaws (1975) uses a zoom to create a sense of tension as the camera moves closer to a young woman swimming in the ocean.
Dolly or Tracking: The "walking and talking" scenes in Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing (1999-2006) often use a dolly or tracking shot to create a sense of movement and energy.
Crane or Boom: The opening shot of Touch of Evil (1958) by Orson Welles uses a crane shot to follow a car as it drives through a Mexican border town.
Steadicam: The famous "Goodfellas shot" in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas (1990) uses a Steadicam to follow the character of Henry Hill as he walks through a nightclub.
You can find many more examples of camera movements in movies and TV shows by searching online for "cinematography examples" or "camera movement examples". You may also find it helpful to watch videos that specifically focus on the use of camera movement in film, such as video essays or analysis videos.
More: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/different-types-of-camera-movements-in-film/