Texts: Technical Codes - Camerawork 23.4

Learning objective:

To revise the purpose and effect of technical codes through analysis of screenshots.

Develop analytical skills in examining a media text.

Technical term	Example	What it might mean
Shot size	Extreme close up	Emphasis on the emotion of the character
	Close up	Intimacy with the character or object
	Medium shot	Show body language
	Long shot	Establish the setting
Camera angle	Low (looking up)	Power – authority - superiority
	Eye level	Equality between characters
	High (looking down)	Weak – vulnerable - powerless
Lens type	Wide angle	Emphasise the expanse of the setting
	Normal	Everydayness, normality
	Telephoto	Spying from a distance
Composition	Symmetrical	An ordered setting, controlled, Structured
	Asymmetrical	Realistic view of the world
Focus	Selective focus	Draws attention to a character
	Soft focus	Creates a romantic view of a setting or character
	Deep focus	All characters in shot are important
Lighting	High key	Friendly, positive, nothing to fear
	Low key	Dark, mysterious, dangerous
Film Stock	Grainy blotchy	Documentary style, realistic
	Smooth	A natural; view of the world
Film Colour	Technicolour	Can emphasise certain colours
	Black and white	Historical and realistic, possibly the truth

fig: 1

This painting is an example of an asymmetrical composition by the artist Kandinsky.

The main elements are equally distributed on both sides of the picture with the 'heaviest' part being the black circle balancing the more detailed parts.

fig: 2

This black and white image gives us the impression that a historic moment is taking place.

It looks realistic and truthful.

fig: 3

Close up

fig: 4

Deep focus

fig: 5

Extreme close up

fig: 6

Grainy

fig: 7

High angle (down shot)

fig: 8

Down shot

fig: 9

Lighting

fig: 10

Long shot

fig: 11

Low angle (up shot)

fig: 12

Lighting

fig: 13

Medium shot

fig: 14

Lens

fig: 15

Focus

fig: 16

Film stock

fig: 17

Focus

fig: 18

Symmetrical

fig: 19

Technicolour

fig: 20

Lens

fig: 21

fig: 22

Lens