Long Shot
The wide shot (aka long shot) is a camera shot that balances both the subject and the surrounding imagery. A wide shot will often keep the entire subject in frame while giving context to the environment.
Here's an example of the wide shot size:
A wide shot should keep a good deal of space both above and below your subject. Of the many camera shots, a long shot gives us a better idea of the scene setting, and gives us a better idea of how the character fits into the area. Wide shots also create narrative distance with the subject, often dwarfing characters against an expansive terrain.
Over the Shoulder Shot
An over-the-shoulder shot (OTS) is a shot in which the camera is placed just behind an "off-screen" actor so that their shoulder is in the frame while you capture the "on-screen" actor's coverage. You can do this to orient your viewer, but an over-the-shoulder shot will also suggest a connection or understanding between the characters in your scene.
Can be used for:
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Helps orient your viewer.
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Signal an understanding between characters.
There is a very practical reason to use an OTS shot, and that is so your audience has a subconscious sense of orientation while watching your scene. When we can see the off-screen actor still in the frame, we know exactly where they are in relation to the other subject.
That's the practical reason, but what about the emotional reasons? For more on the function of the over-the-shoulder shot, let's review all of our framing options.
Extreme Long Shot
An extreme wide shot (aka extreme long shot) is a camera shot that will make your subject appear small against their location. You can also use an extreme long shot to make your subject feel distant or unfamiliar.
Here's an example of the extreme wide shot size:
Of all the different types of camera shots in film, consider using the extreme wide shot when you need to emphasize the location and the relationship of the characters within it.