Great videos aren’t just made—they’re crafted. To create truly captivating on-location stories, you need more than a camera and a location—you need to master four essential shot types: Wide, Medium, Tight, and Art.

Together, they bring depth, emotion, and beauty to your storytelling.

Why These Four Shots Matter

When shooting on location, every frame should move your story forward. Wide, Medium, Tight, and Art shots each play a distinct role in guiding your audience through the narrative. Together, they create a seamless blend of context, action, intimacy, and creativity.

Whether you’re documenting a personal journey, a brand’s story, or a client’s project, these shots will set your work apart by combining clarity with artistry.

1. Wide Shot: The Foundation

Wide shots establish the setting and mood, giving viewers a sense of place and scale. They answer the “where” and “when” of your story.

•  Why It’s Important: Wide shots orient your audience, setting the stage for what’s to come. Without this, your story can feel disjointed or incomplete.
•  Example: Picture an early morning CrossFit gym, empty but ready for action. A wide shot shows the space, the equipment, and the possibilities ahead.

Action Step: Capture wide shots early during your shoot. Look for moments with great light, minimal distractions, and elements that represent the essence of your location.

2. Medium Shot: The Connection

Medium shots bring your audience closer, showcasing interaction and movement. They capture the action in a way that feels relatable and grounded.

•  Why It’s Important: Medium shots provide context for the story’s characters and their actions. They’re the bridge between the scene-setting wide shot and the emotional close-up.
•  Example: A trainer giving instructions or a team warming up sets the tone for the action about to unfold.

Action Step: Use medium shots to highlight key moments of interaction. Position your subject naturally within the frame, keeping the focus on the activity.

3. Tight Shot: The Emotion

Tight shots zoom in on the details that evoke emotion—facial expressions, hands at work, or the sweat of determination. These are the shots that pull your audience into the heart of the story.

•  Why It’s Important: Tight shots create an emotional connection by focusing on the small, human moments that make your story resonate.
•  Example: A close-up of an athlete gripping a barbell or tying their shoes before a big lift tells a story of preparation and focus.

Action Step: Identify key emotional moments during your shoot and capture them with tight shots. Use natural lighting and focus to emphasize texture and detail.

4. Art Shot: The Creativity

Art shots are your chance to get creative. These are the shots that surprise, delight, and inspire your audience—unconventional angles, reflections, or slow-motion captures.

•  Why It’s Important: Art shots elevate your video, giving it a unique and memorable visual identity. They’re what turn a standard video into a standout piece.
•  Example: Shooting a reflection in a puddle, using lens flares during a sunrise, or capturing a dramatic silhouette of an athlete in motion.

Action Step: Dedicate time during your shoot for experimentation. Try angles or techniques that might not fit neatly into the narrative but add visual intrigue.

Blending the Four: The Art of Storytelling

The magic happens when these four shots come together. Start with a wide shot to set the scene, move into medium shots for action, use tight shots for emotion, and layer in art shots to leave a lasting impression. This combination creates a video that feels cohesive yet dynamic, balancing clarity with creativity.

Action Step: Plan your shoot with these shots in mind. Create a checklist to ensure you capture at least two examples of each type, then experiment with sequencing in the edit.

Here’s the takeaway…

If you want to master these and other storytelling techniques. And take your videos to the next level. Check out all my resources at paulstevenforrest.com.