Camera Angles

Close-Ups and Long Shots

There are a number of camera angles. The most common of these are the establishing shot, long shot, medium shot, over-the-shoulder shot, and close-up. 

Establishing shot

A shot, normally taken from a great distance or from a "bird's eye view," that establishes where the action is about to occur. Such as 'Skyfall". 

Long shot

A shot that shows a scene from a distance (but not as great a distance as the establishing shot). A long shot is used to stress the environment or setting of a scene. In filming your science-fiction movie, for example; "Children of Men".