Twoshot

Two-shot, sometimes written as two-shot or twoshot, is a cinematography and photography term for a shot that includes two subjects within the frame. It is primarily used to depict interaction, relationship, or contrast between the two subjects. A two-shot can vary in distance and composition, with common variants including wide two-shot, medium two-shot, and close two-shot. The distance chosen affects how much of each subject is visible and how their body language and environment are conveyed.

In storytelling, two-shots are frequently employed at moments of dialogue, confrontation, or collaboration, and may serve as a setup before cutting to individual shots or to a different angle. In editing, a two-shot sequence often uses a two-shot reverse shot pattern, where the camera alternates angles over the two subjects to maintain eye-lines and rhythm while preserving the sense of a conversation.

Technical considerations include lens choice, depth of field, and camera position to keep both subjects in frame and properly framed. Lighting is typically balanced to avoid harsh shadows and to maintain a natural interaction between the subjects. Blocking and staging help ensure a clear line of sight and readable interaction within the frame.

Outside motion picture production, the term is also used in photography to describe a composite shot featuring two people, such as in portraits or event photography, where the emphasis is on the relationship or interaction between the subjects. See also: shot types, shot-reverse-shot, medium shot, close-up, long shot.