Camera Movement

Camera movement is used to do many things such as to direct the viewer's attention, reveal off-screen space, provide narrative information, and create expressive effects.

Most frequently the camera will move when an object moves within the frame, therefore re-framing the shot or creating a following shot. In a following shot the camera itself will accompany the movement of the object with the use of a track, crane or hand-held shot allowing the audience to lead a figure into space, pursue a figure from behind or float above, below, or alongside.
This technique is not always used; the filmmaker may direct the camera away from the main action for other reasons. This draws attention to itself and is usually used sparingly to emphasize significant narrative details.

Camera movement also has the ability to create suspense and surprise, this is done by either revealing or concealing space. Also very slow camera movements within long takes focus the viewer of the passage of time and build narrative expectation.

Here is a mind-map I made showing all of the different types of camera movement:

Here are some examples of some camera movement:

Tracking shot



Pan



Tilt