Our guide to mastering photography shots

We’ve all heard it before, framing is everything. Whether you’re capturing a candid moment or something more detailed, knowing how to frame your subject can easily make or break the final result.

But here’s the good news: while some people naturally “see” frames, they have what we call a photographic eye, others can 100% learn it too. Like most creative skills, framing gets easier (and better) with a bit of practice and guidance.

One of the best ways to start? Understanding all the different types of photography shots.

First things first, in photography, a shot refers to how much (or how little) of your subject and its surroundings you include in the frame. It’s all about scale and perspective. For example, zooming in to capture just a person’s face? That’s a close-up. Capturing someone from head to toe? That’s a full shot.

Different shots serve different purposes. A close-up draws attention to emotion or detail, while a wider shot gives context and sets the scene. Mastering these variations helps you tell more compelling stories through your images.

Each type of shot has its own general guidelines, and once you know them, you’ll start to see them everywhere, so let’s get started, shall we?

Types of shots in photography

Extreme Long Shot

An extreme long shot, often referred to as ELS, captures a very wide view, where the subject takes up only a small part of the frame. It’s often used to show the setting or environment and can be great for group shots. While the subject’s position can vary, they’re usually shown in full, meaning no parts cropped out, so you get a complete sense of their place within the scene.

Long Shot

A long shot (LS) places the subject clearly at the centre of attention, while still giving space to the surrounding environment. The subject is shown in full (again with no cropping), and the overall feel of the image often depends on the perspective chosen. It’s a balanced way to capture both the person and their setting.

Full Shot

A full shot (FS) is the closest you can get while still capturing your subject from head to toe. It’s all about showing the subject in full, whether it’s a person, an animal, or an object. Depending on how they’re positioned, the framing may vary slightly. At this range, it’s best to avoid wide-angle lenses to prevent any distortion.

American Shot

The American shot comes from the seventh art, aka the cinema, where the widescreen 21:9 format led to some creative framing choices. In this shot, the subject is shown from roughly the knees up. It gained popularity in Westerns (mainly so the audience could see characters drawing their guns). In pure photography, it can feel a little less dynamic, since it removes clues about whether the subject is moving or standing still.

Medium Shot: from the waist up

One of the most common and natural shots, the medium shot (MS) offers a similar view to what we would have in a conversation with that person. It combines the closeness of the face with the expressiveness of the body. The upper part of the subject is framed with a cut at waist height.

Medium Close-Up

Sitting between a medium shot and a close-up, the medium close-up (MCU) brings us into more intimate territory. It usually frames the model from the chest or bust up, while firmly keeping the focus on their facial expression. It’s a shot that conveys trust and closeness, so it’s very important to choose a flattering angle.

Close-Up

The close-up (CU) is the classic portrait shot. It frames the subject’s face, neck, and shoulders and is perfect for highlighting expressions. Because it focuses on such fine detail, technique matters: lighting, avoiding shadows or glare, and nailing sharp focus are all very important. Our top tip: using a moderate telephoto lens is recommended, in order to keep proportions natural and flattering.

Extreme Close-Up

The extreme close-up (ECU) frames only the face, from the chin to the forehead – nothing else. It’s the purest expression of cinematic portraiture, where every element of the composition carries weight, especially the eyes . This is the most intimate shot you can take, offering a powerful connection with the model.

Detail Shot: an isolated element

Often underestimated, the detail shot plays a key supporting role in visual storytelling. It isolates a single element within the scene, drawing attention to something specific while leaving out the rest. Focus and depth of field are essential here. That being said, it’s not the same as macro photography, it simply complements wider shots by adding nuance and texture to the overall narrative.

There, you have it. Now that you know how to choose the right shot for each moment, it’ll become much easier to decide how to bring your photos to life and how to turn them into a unique piece of wall art. Browse through our whole range to find the right format, size, finish, and material to help you showcase your images your way.

Create wall art with your photos

Original by: Juan Castromil  @castromil y Carolina Denia @CarolinaD