Field sizes and camera angles: how to classify your photos and videos correctly

If you know the right terms for field sizes and camera angles, you can better classify and keyword photographic and cinematic media. This not only increases the findability of digital assets, but also creates a better understanding and more effective communication in the creative process. In general, clear and unambiguous terminology ensures greater efficiency in the organization of media content (see controlled vocabulary). This is especially important in professional environments such as film productions, stock photo agencies and media archives. In this article, we will cover basic field sizes and camera angles that are essential in both photography and film. With this knowledge, users of DAM solutions* can systematically and correctly tag new image material (photos, videos, footage).

* DAM stands for digital asset management, the technical term for the management of media files.

What are field sizes?

Field sizes are determined by the image section, the distance between the camera and the subject and the zoom factor. They define how much of a subject and its surroundings are visible in the image and can range from long shots to close-ups. The choice of field size influences the effect and message of an image or film by directing the viewer’s attention and setting emotional or narrative accents. A conscious understanding and targeted use of field sizes are therefore essential for visual design.

The 5 most important field sizes

1. Long shot

The long shot shows the entire scenario and provides an overview of the surroundings and the position of the characters in it. This field size is ideal for introducing a scene or showing landscapes.

Sample image long shot

Astronaut J. Irwin with lunar rover (Apollo 15), photo: NASA (PD)

2. Medium long shot

The medium long shot shows people or objects in their surroundings, whereby details remain recognizable without being too close. This field size is often used in conversation scenes where the interaction between the characters and their surroundings is important.

Sample image medium long shot

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin with US flag (Apollo 11), photo: NASA (PD)

3. Medium shot

The medium shot shows people from the waist up. It is well suited for dialog and interactions, as both posture and facial expressions are clearly visible, unless you happen to be wearing a spacesuit ;)

Sample image medium shot

Image section (see above)

4. Close-up

The close-up focuses on the face or a specific detail. It is ideal for emphasizing emotions or important objects. In this example, it is Buzz Aldrin’s face that is hidden behind the helmet visor.

Sample image close-up

Image section (see above)

5. Extreme close-up

The extreme close-up gets even closer and only shows a small part of the face or object, such as an eye or a hand. It is used to draw special attention to a particular detail. In our example, it is the imprint left by Buzz Aldrin’s boot on the surface of the moon.

Sample image extreme close-up

Buzz Aldrin’s shoe print on the lunar surface, photo: NASA (PD)

The 6 most important camera angles

In addition to the field sizes, the camera angles also have a significant influence on the effect of an image. They determine how the subject is perceived from different angles. In the following section, we will introduce you to the 6 most important camera angles.

1. Eye-level shot

As the name suggests, this perspective shows the subject at eye level. It appears neutral and natural, as it corresponds to the human way of seeing. The eye-level shot is therefore often used in interviews.

Sample image eye-level shot

US astronaut John Glenn Jr., photo: NASA (PD)

2. Low angle shot

In the low angle shot, the camera looks up at the subject from below. This perspective makes the subject appear larger, more powerful and often more threatening. It is often used to emphasize authority or superiority.

Sample image low angle shot

Saturn rocket (Apollo 12), photo: NASA (PD)

3. High angle shot

The high angle shot shows the subject from above. This perspective can make the subject appear smaller and weaker. It is often used to emphasize inferiority.

Sample image high angle shot

Saturn rocket before launch (Apollo 12), photo: NASA (PD)

4. Bird’s eye view

The bird’s eye view looks vertically at the subject from above. It is often used to provide a complete overview of a scene or landscape.

Sample image bird’s eye view

Apollo 11 command module Columbia in lunar orbit, photo: NASA (PD)

5. Worm’s eye view

The worm’s eye view shows the subject from the very bottom, almost from the ground. It can make objects appear particularly large and imposing and is usually used to enhance the effect of the subject.

Sample image worm’s eye view

Mars rover Curiosity, AI-generated image

6. Dutch angle

The Dutch angle view is achieved by tilting the camera. This perspective creates a feeling of unease, tension or disorientation and is often used in scenes that are intended to depict an unstable or emotionally charged environment.

Sample image Dutch angle

Astronaut H. Schmitt with US flag, photo: NASA (PD)

Conclusion

Precise knowledge of the different field sizes and camera angles is very helpful when tagging media with a DAM system. By employing these terms correctly, you can categorize your photos and videos more precisely. Use this basic knowledge to organize your media even better. For example, with the teamnext | Media Hub: our Media Hub is a cloud-based DAM solution that allows you to tag your media files quickly and easily. In addition to manual tagging, you can also use AI-based methods, which can speed up workflows enormously and ensure that you have more time for creativity.

Test the teamnext | Media Hub

If you would like to get to know our solution, you can start a free 14-day test phase. You can also book an appointment for an online product demo with one of our experts at any time. For further information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us personally. You can find our contact details here: teamnext.com/en/contact.