longshots

Longshots, or long shots, describe things that are distant or unlikely. In photography and cinema, a long shot is a shot taken from a substantial distance from the subject. It is used to show the subject within a broader environment, establish setting, convey scale, or follow motion. Long shots range from waist- to full-body framing to extreme long shots that render the subject small within a wide landscape. They are used in contrast to medium and close-up shots to provide context and mood, and often include establishing shots at the start of a scene.

In cinematography, establishing a sense of place and scale, long shots rely on wide- or telephoto lenses and careful framing. They may be static or combined with movement to keep the audience oriented.

In sports and competitions, the term long shot describes an attempt with a low probability of success, often taken from far away, such as a soccer shot from outside the box or a basketball shot beyond the arc. It can also describe a campaign, project, or investment with slim odds.

In betting and idiomatic use, a long shot denotes something unlikely to occur, typically with a high payout if it does happen. In horse racing, a longshot is a horse with high odds. The phrase also appears in cultural contexts as a title or concept, such as films or songs named Long Shot.

Overall, longshots span visual technique, probability language, and cultural usage, sharing a core idea of distance and low likelihood.