THE VIDEO ZONE: Camera Moves of the Pros

Underwater filming lends itself to shots in which the camera can move while filming and we use those camera moves to establish scenes that are too big for the camera frame. We can use moves to reveal something to our audience that has been off camera and also to keep up with action that continues beyond the range of a stationary camera as well as make a transition from one shot sequence to the next, such as when the camera moves with divers from one reef to the next.

Basic camera moves used are:

The Pan - this is when the camera remains in one place and turns left to right or right to left. It is great for establishing a large scene such as a shipwreck, or following action.

The Tilt - this is when the camera remains in one place and tilts up or down. Used to establish depth or a vertical scene, such as a reef or wall just to follow vertical action.

The Dolly - this is when the camera moves toward or away from subject within a scene. Great to move from a Long Shot to Medium Shot, or a Medium Shot to Close Up or the reverse, or in a continuous shot. Also great for doing the ‘JAWS’ effect where the subject stays in the same position but the background changes – this requires lots of practice with the focus and zoom.

The Truck - this is when the camera moves right or left while staying on subject. Great for changing shooting angle in one continuous shot.

The Follow - this is when the camera moves with the subject, from behind, usually to one side or slightly above or below. Follow shots allow for the audience to focus on the approaching scene as well as the subject.

The Lead - this is when the camera moves with the subject from ahead, normally from one side or slightly above or below. Leading shots allow for the audience to focus on the subject and less on the diminishing scene.

When creating your storyboard and script remember to visualise what your scenes will look like and try and bring some movement into your filming - it keeps your audience involved in you production. Next time you watch a drama or natural history program just observe the different camera movements used, it makes interesting watching!

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