Guide to the close-up shot and how to frame it.

1. The extreme close-up shot.

An extreme close-up focuses on a specific detail, typically only framing part of the subject — an eye, mouth, or important object. The extreme close-up is often framed as an eye level shot and keeps a tight focus on details, emotions, tension, or symbols to amplify their importance. Using a wider shot could cause these details to get lost.

An extreme close-up shot could be used to:

• Build anticipation or suspense by focusing on a small detail
• Highlight a character’s psychological or emotional well-being
• Home in on a key story element
• Create a feeling of closeness or discomfort by invading a subject’s personal space

An example of an extreme close-up would be the camera focusing on a character’s eyes widening during a moment of realization.

2. Choker close-up shots that create tension.

The choker shot is an ultra-tight close-up typically framed from the eyebrows to the chin or lips. These shots are often used in moments of emotional pressure or confrontation. You may choose this shot to highlight tension, emotions, major reactions, or to create a feeling of pressure, intimacy, or closeness.

Ideally, film the shot with a longer lens — typically around 100 mm to 135 mm or more — to avoid distortion. An example of a choker close-up shot would be showing tears streaming from a subject’s eyes in a moment of emotional intensity.

3. Medium close-up shots leave room to breathe.

The medium close-up shot is typically framed from mid-chest up. It offers a balance between emotional clarity and physical context by allowing the viewer to see a character’s facial expressions while also capturing their body language and surroundings.

A filmmaker may opt for this shot when they want the audience to connect to a character and show their placement in a scene. Medium close-up shots are commonly used in documentary films to capture a character’s emotions and their relation to their environment. An example of a medium close-up shot would be two characters talking in a crowded public area, showing their trust with each other and the importance of the conversation.

4. Insert shots to highlight key action.

Close-up insert shots are the key to showing small but essential actions and details. These could include a hand turning a doorknob, a person passing a letter to another person, or a button being pressed.

An insert shot is a film editor’s technique that can advance the plot by placing the viewers’ focus on a crucial detail or create tension or heightened emotions by highlighting small but important actions. For example, a close-up insert may be used when a student quickly passes a note under a desk to another classmate. The shot ensures the audience doesn’t miss this crucial little detail. As an essential part of the editor’s toolkit, this shot ensures you don’t miss the little things between the many shots.

Tips for filming close-ups that fit your vision.

You’re ready for your close-up — but first, check out some tips to ensure it showcases all the emotions or essential actions you want your audience to see.

• Position your subject. Use the rule of thirds for placement. You can center your subject, but that could come off as more confrontational, so use it for such purposes.
• Use different lighting. The variety of lighting you use can set the tone for a scene. Hard lighting can create a dramatic scene, while soft lighting can make for a calmer mood.
• Diversify your angles. Straight on is the easy route, but raising or lowering your angles can indicate shifting perspectives or power dynamics.
• Avoid inconsistency. Not lining up your cuts could be detrimental to your scene. Don’t mismatch eye lines between cuts unless you’re doing it for artistic reasons.
• Don’t overdo it. When editing video, don’t overuse close-up shots. Save them for prominent actions or emotional moments to make their impact greater.