Basic Codes and Conventions: The Camera

Camera Shots: Used to relate with the audience by expressing thoughts and feelings (also show what's happening)

• Long Shots emphasize location; the artist can be seen, but not clearly
• Wide Shots show the artist, but the location/setting is more of the main focus
• Mid-Shots show the artist from waist-to-head and mainly focuses on the subject while giving the impression of setting
• Medium Close-ups show the artist from chest to head
• Close-ups focuses solely on an object or the person, taking up most of the screen
• Extreme Close-ups shows the artist's face very close up, giving the effect that the audience can tell what they're thinking
• Over-the-Shoulder shots are often used in narrative videos when the artist is acting or speaking or looking at something
• Cut Ins are used to show something that lyrics might be referring to, also shows transition of time

Camera Angles: emphasizes artist or to show emotions or thoughts

• Eye-Level is common because it's how we view the world. Shows subjects as seen in reality
• High-Angle shows the subject from above, giving off the impression of being powerless
• Low-Angle shows the subject from below, giving off the impression of being powerful
• Bird's Eye shows the subject from directly above for a dramatic effect and showing the viewer things that the subject might not see
• Slanted is a purposely tilted angle to add a dramatic effect

Camera Movements: follows the artist to show performance and movement

• Pans scan a scene horizontally with the camera on a tripod

•  Dolly/Tracking is when the camera is mounted on a cart and travels along tracks smoothly 

 *Every Music Video uses Shots, Angles and Movements to create different moods, reflect different genres, and to emphasize certain elements in the video itself.