the original subject being photographed. For example, the distance required for a
long shot of a hummingbird would be an extreme closeup of a man's face. The main
point to remember is that the size of the subject, in relation to the area it
occupies on the screen, determines whether it is a long shot, medium shot, or
closeup. You may find it hard to differentiate between these shots. Where does a
long shot end before it becomes a medium shot? There is no hard-and-fast rule
governing it. Your own good judgement and opinion is the only answer.
c. A typical example of events in their logical sequence might be to place a
camera in the position of a soldier when he walks into an orderly room to pick up
his leave papers. His first impression is a broad general view of the room and the
people in it; this is the long shot. Next, he walks closer to the first sergeant
who is talking to the company clerk.
The soldier approaches the group and the
usual greetings are exchanged.
That is your medium shot.
Finally, the soldier
walks up close to the first sergeant to pick up his leave papers and directs his
conversation exclusively to him. At this point you see only the first sergeant's
head and shoulders. Now you have your closeup. If this series of events were to
be filmed, the camera lens would take the place of the soldier's eyes and normally
would record the same sequence of events.
(1) To impress this concept firmly in your mind, let us repeat the entire
sequence once more, only this time see Figure 2-1 as a guide.
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