Audiovisual techniques help transform the message at the time of . Among them, the photographic plane is one of the most important characteristics of the cinematographic language.
The different types of photographic planes guarantee specific effects, such as the atmosphere or the impact on the viewer.
We are also often driven by various camera positions, so our emotional response gradually develops. For this reason, knowing how to use photographic plane techniques is one of the most effective means of really conveying a message to the public, in addition to explicit content, such as.
In this text, we are going to know precisely the most used photographic planes and what is the expression of each one in a scene.
Types of photographic plans
The plane determines the size of objects and people in relation to the environment.
Choosing the correct camera location can lead the audience to have specific feelings. This is one of the aspects that differentiates a professional video from an amateur one.
Usually:
- The most open shots are descriptive, they help set the scene and place the viewer in the story;
- Closer shots are expressive and dramatic, because proximity helps capture feelings and convey them to the audience.
Wide shot (very long shot — P/G)
The open shot – also known as a general shot or very long shot – is the one that shows a panoramic view.
Normally, this type of photographic plane isolates a human figure or an object in a wide landscape.
Its main function is to set the scene for the public, that is, to show the place that surrounds the characters.
For example, we can cite the scene from the series Star Trek: Discovery, in which two silhouettes appear walking through a huge area of sand.
Another example of this photographic plane is in the film The Shining, from 1980. One of the most iconic scenes is the view from above of the winter labyrinth where, later on, a chase will take place. As the camera zooms in, we realize that there is a person in the center.
Medium shot (long shot – P/M)
Already the medium shot – or long shot – is closer than the open one, but it continues to show a lot of the environment.
It serves to establish a thematic relationship between the character and the space.
In the film Blade Runner 2049, for example, the protagonist walks between gigantic female statues, located in a Las Vegas in ruins.
American shot (mid shot – P/A)
Known as the American shot – or mid shot (medium/moderate) – it is one of the photographic shots that walks towards the field of expressions.
Although it still shows a bit of the environment, it usually shows the characters from the knees up and does not focus on issues.
In a scene from the series Twin Peaks, for example, there is a dialogue between two characters, which shows an interrelation of encouragement or cordiality.
In Cowboys & Aliens, there is also an example of a mid shot, with the focus closer to the character’s silhouette.
Close-up (P/P)
The close-up is a classic of photographic shots.
It serves to focus the character’s feelings, with the camera very close. Normally, it focuses on the human figure from the shoulders up.
Two examples are scenes from Revenant: Revenant and Full Metal Jack.
In the first, the expression that the scene transmits to us is one of tiredness and sadness.
In the second, the focus on the face, the hand gesture, and even the bottom-up angle convey an effect of authoritarianism or oppression.
Extreme close-up (big close-up — Pº/P)
Already in the very first plane, the images bring us closer to the feeling of the character.
Framing places the face in the center of the camera so that little or nothing of the environment is visible.
The classic scene from the movie The Silence of the Lambs is an example. In it, the narrative makes us fear the main character, especially because of the approach in which he appears very close, slightly superior and with incisive eyes on the audience.
In Closer: driven by desire there is also a very close-up example. The accentuated close on the character’s face clearly shows the emotional charge.
Detail drawing (extra big close-up — P/D)
Even closer than the extreme close-up, the detail shot is used to focus on a small object. In general, the environment, or even the object itself, is not recognized.
The goal is to create a sense of mystery and subsequent surprise when the shot widens, helping to capture the viewer’s attention.
This type of shot appears in the film Requiem for a Dream, where the focus on the eyes shows the changes in the pupil after the use of chemicals.
Another example of this photographic plane appears in the series Breaking Bad, with the camera focused on a fly on the lens of the glasses.
Sequence plane (long take)
The sequence shot is very interesting to give an idea of continuity or dynamism.
It is characterized by being a shot without cuts – at least, apparently – that guarantees incredible results, mainly in action themes.
In the Daredevil series, there is an excellent example of this photographic shot: there is over 3 minutes of continuous footage of a hallway fight scene – quite an impressive number in the cinematic medium.
Initial or passing plane
The initial or passage shot is one of the photographic shots used to situate the public when there is a change of location in the narrative.
Normally, the director may choose to use an open shot with cuts for changing environments. However, there are other ways to show this transition.
In the movie Hot Fuzz: Super Cops, for example, there is a scene where the character goes through various environments in just over 30 seconds. The camera goes through quick cuts that intersperse panoramic shots and close-ups.
How to create good stories with photographic plans?
As you have seen, the photographic planes provide very varied effects in the scene.
For those who work with , understanding the power of planes is very important to achieve more directed shots.
Positioning the camera correctly can tell the story in a different way and create certain feelings and emotional responses in the audience.
To make your videos even more professional, also read our post about .
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