Camera movements every videographer should know

Camera movement adds emotion and information. Each movement has a purpose.

Pan

Rotating left or right from a fixed position. Reveals a scene or follows a subject.

Tilt

Rotating up or down. Reveals height, such as a pyramid or a bride from shoes to face.

Dolly in and out

Moving the camera toward or away from the subject. Pushing in builds intensity; pulling out reveals context.

Truck or slide

Moving sideways parallel to the subject. Creates parallax with foreground elements.

Pedestal or crane

Raising or lowering the camera. A rising shot over a wall or hedge reveals a property dramatically.

Orbit

Circling around a subject. Popular for products, couples and real estate features.

Handheld

Slight natural shake adds intimacy and urgency for documentaries and events.

Static shots matter too

Locked-off tripod shots give viewers time to absorb a scene and make movement more impactful.

Motivate your moves

Move for a reason: to reveal, follow or emphasize.