As a cinematographer, it’s easy to get caught up in using fancy camera moves with jibs and sliders. Depending on the content of the scene, an elaborate camera move would only be distracting and pointless. That’s why it’s important to remember the little guys; the static camera shot. A static shot is basically a shot that does not have any tilts, pans, dollies, or trucks. Sometimes, we forget how important a simple camera shot can be. If used correctly, the static shot can be very powerful.
Every shot in this short piece was filmed static and straight on at the subject. Yes, they are hendheld, but there are no dramatic pans or tilts.
So, when you’re shooting a wedding or a spec commercial or whatever it may be: don’t forget about the simple shots.