Introduction to Camera Movement

 Camera movement is when a camera is moved to visually shape a narrative. Camera movement helps enhance the story. The director is in charge of the camera movement in production. 

George Lucas

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope; The Empire Strikes Back; Return of the Jedi

One scene that was my favorite was the scene when they zoomed in where Darth Vader said, "Luke I am your father."

Francis Lawrence

The Hnger Games: Catching Fire; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

One scene that was my favorite was the scene when they zoomed in where Katniss' dress changes into a different one when she twirls.

Two camera movements that I already knew before this lesson were zoom in and zoom out. I recognized their movement because I have a camera that I know how to zoom in and zoom out on.

Camera Movement Technique	Definition	3 Key Points about each technique
Static	Creating a scene with a fixed position, or zero camera movement is the static technique.	Static camera movements are good for dialogue, maintaining precise composition, and heightening an actor’s influence on a scene.
Pan	When a camera is rotated horizontally (left or right), maintaining a fixed position.	Pans can be used to follow a character’s actions, reveal information, or to follow a newly introduced element.
Tilt	When a camera is moved vertically (up or down).	A tilt can be used to show the verticality of a world, can be used to show the dominance of a character, or reveal information.
Dolly In/Push In	When the camera is moved towards an element or character.	A push in is used to emphasize a moment, direct attention to a specific object, or can be used to capture a character’s thought process.
Dolly Out/Pull Out	When the camera is moved away from the subject.	Deemphasizes the subject, a signal to disconnect from the characters, can unveil the context of a scene.
Zoom In	When the focal length of the camera’s lens changes.	Draws the audience’s attention to a specific detail, to emphasize a comedic or dramatic moment, to give a character power.
Reverse Zoom/Zoom Out	When the focal length of the camera’s lens changes.	Reveals the context around a subject, to emphasize a comedic or dramatic moment, to give a character power.
Tracking	Where the camera is physically moving through a scene.	Moves with a subject, meant for long takes that are meant to immerse the audience into a scene, draws attention to specific actions.
Trucking	When the camera moves laterally, left or right.	Establishes both the world and character, gives a storyboard fashion, and follows a character
Random Movement	Camera shake incidental zooms or any movement that happens on the fly.	Makes it seem out of control, adds subtly, gives a more intimate effect.
Boom (Created by a crane/Pedestal)	Moves a camera up or down utilizing a crane or jib.	Reveals information, follows characters in action, and can capture the world around them.
Arc	Camera movement that orbits around a subject	Adds dynamic movement, keeps the focus centralized on a topic, and can underscores tension.