midshot

A midshot, or medium shot, is a film and video framing that shows a subject from roughly the waist up. It sits between the long shot (full body and setting) and the close-up (the face). Exact cropping varies, with some productions framing from the chest to the head.

Midshots balance facial expression with body language and some background, making them common for dialogue scenes and character interactions. They allow viewers to read posture and gesture while keeping a sense of place.

Terminology and variations: the midshot is closely related to the medium shot. Some crews distinguish it from a medium close-up, which frames closer from the chest to the head; others use the terms interchangeably. Two-shots can also be framed in a midshot to include two subjects.

Technical considerations: lens choice and distance determine the framing. A standard or short telephoto lens is often used, with attention to headroom, eye level, and the rule of thirds. Framing should avoid cutting off limbs and respect the expected spatial context.

In practice, midshots are versatile across film and television, suitable for conversations, reactions, and scenes where character and environment interplay are important.