The Medium Shot

The medium shot is one the standard camera angles used to frame a character. The shot between a close-up and a long shot.

A medium shot frames a character from the waist up – a personal shot; frames character so it appears that the viewer is in a conversation with them (i.e. like a real-life conversation, you are standing or sitting opposite someone, you notice their attributes from the chest up).

A relatable angle that everyone is used to. On camera, a medium shot directs the viewer’s attention to a character.

Roger Deakins frames medium shots above the waist, closer to the belly – a better composition – avoids framing around actor’s joints.

To properly frame a medium shot – pay attention to all the surroundings and light in the scene; the medium shot should show off the scenery as much as the character; pay attention to the little background details

The Medium Long Shot

• A medium long shot frames the subject from the knees up.
• The focus is often on the location rather than the character.
• Avoid framing the joints – frame just below the knees.
• A three-quarters shot – frames three-quarters of the character.
• Typically used as an establishing shot – shows character in relation to their surroundings.

The Medium Close-up

• A medium close-up frames a character from the middle of their chest up
• Where the close-up shot focuses on just the face, the medium close-up includes a character’s shoulders – sometimes called a head and shoulders shot.
• The emphasis in on the character’s facial expressions – but their body language should complement the overall composition.
• The background is not the focus of the shot – tends to be literally out of focus.
• The perfect reaction shot – gives a great range of emotion.
• Can be very intimate.
• Avoid the joints.
• Check the costume’s framing as well.
• The medium close-up can also frame on a group of characters – each character framed from just below the chest – great for capturing multiple reactions simultaneously.

Key points for me

A very effective standard camera angle, the Medium Shot provides a way of getting the viewer to feel as though they are in close proximity to a character. Ranging from using the MLS to establish a character within their location, to the more intimate MCU, emphasising the facial expressions and body language. In all cases, keep an eye on where the actor’s joints are within the frame and watch the backgrounds closely to be sure the little details are all correct.

Maher, M. (2015) ‘How to Frame a Medium Shot Like a Master Cinematographer’ Premiumbeat.com At: https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/how-to-frame-a-medium-shot-like-a-master-cinematographer/ (Accessed on 25 April 2017)