Locked off (no movement)
The phone stays perfectly still. Only the people or things in the shot move.
How to film it: Use a tripod, or rest the phone on a shelf or railing. Press record and let the action happen.
Camera guide
What each camera move and transition in your shot lists means, with a quick example of each and how to film it on your phone.
Camera moves
Slow, medium and fast describe how quickly the move happens: slow moves feel calm and premium, fast ones feel energetic.
Handheld
Held in your hand with a little natural sway. Feels personal and in-the-moment.
How to film it: Two hands, elbows tucked in. If you walk, take small heel-to-toe steps.
Pan left
The phone turns to the left from one spot, like turning your head. Nothing moves closer or further.
How to film it: Plant your feet and turn from your waist, slowly. Start and end on something worth seeing.
Pan right
The same as a pan left, turning to the right.
How to film it: Turn from your waist at an even speed. Count to three for a slow pan.
Tilt up
The phone points upward from one spot, like lifting your chin. Great for tall things: buildings, staircases, a dress.
How to film it: Keep the phone in one place and only change its angle. Start low and end on the top.
Tilt down
The phone points downward from one spot. Good for revealing a table, shoes or a view below.
How to film it: Start on the top of the subject and slowly lower the angle.
Push in
The camera moves closer to the subject, so it grows in the frame. Builds focus or excitement.
How to film it: Walk slowly toward the subject rather than zooming; it looks smoother and more expensive.
Pull out
The camera moves away from the subject, revealing more of the scene around it.
How to film it: Start close, then step back slowly. Great for big reveals of a room or a view.
Orbit
The camera circles around the subject while keeping it in the middle. The background slides past behind them.
How to film it: Walk in a half-circle at the same distance, keeping the person centred on screen. A gimbal helps.
Shot lists currently describe an orbit as a pan; check the reference frame if you're unsure.
Tracking (follow)
The camera moves alongside or behind a moving subject, keeping pace with them.
How to film it: Walk at the subject's speed, beside them or behind them. Keep them in the same spot on screen.
Shot lists currently describe tracking as a pan; check the reference frame if you're unsure.
Transitions between shots
Straight cut
One shot ends and the next starts instantly. The most common edit by far.
How to film it: Nothing special to film. Just give each shot a second or two extra at the start and end.
Dissolve
One shot fades into the next, so they blend for a moment. Feels calm and dreamy.
How to film it: Added in the edit. Film a couple of extra seconds so there's room to blend.
Whip (motion blur)
A fast flick of the camera blurs the end of one shot into the start of the next.
How to film it: End the first shot with a quick flick to one side. Start the next shot with a flick in the same direction.
Zoom transition
The picture rushes forward into a blur and lands on the next shot.
How to film it: End the first shot by moving the phone quickly toward the subject. Start the next one close and settle back.
Flash / dip
A quick flash of white (or black) between two shots. Feels energetic, like a camera flash.
How to film it: Added in the edit. Works best on the beat of the music.