The art and technique of motion picture photography. This includes how the film uses light, shadow, color, movement, and composition within the frame.

A compositional strategy that lays an imaginary grid over the frame and places the main subjects at its points of intersection.

A camera movement in which the camera pivots up or down on a fixed vertical axis.

The camera is positioned to looking down on the subject, creating a sense of weakness and powerlessness in the character or setting.

A shot taken with the camera placed approximately where the character’s eyes would be, to show how the scene looks from the character's perspective.

One space of the image goes out of focus while the other comes into focus.

A more distanced framing in which the subject is seen from head to toe in a setting.

A camera movement in which the camera travels along with the action of the shot, for example moving backward or forward.

Once an action occurs on screen, an imaginary line (180 degrees) is established (sometimes called "the line" or "axis of action") that the camera may not cross.

A shot from high above, usually of exterior locations and taken from a crane or helicopter.