Äärilähikuva

Äärilähikuva, a Finnish term, translates to extreme close-up in English. It is a shot in filmmaking and photography that frames a subject very tightly, showing only a small portion of it. This technique emphasizes specific details and can create a powerful emotional impact on the viewer.

In an extreme close-up, the subject fills the entire frame, often to the point where its context is lost. For instance, an extreme close-up of a face might only show an eye, a mouth, or a nostril. This deliberate cropping forces the audience to focus intensely on the selected detail, drawing attention to texture, form, or expression. The effect can be unsettling, intimate, or even abstract, depending on the subject and how it is presented.

Filmmakers use extreme close-ups for various narrative purposes. They can heighten tension by revealing minute physical reactions, such as a bead of sweat or a trembling lip. They can also convey psychological states, making the audience feel a character's anxiety or intense emotion. In product photography, an extreme close-up is used to showcase the intricate design or quality of a specific feature. This shot is a deliberate artistic choice that significantly alters the viewer's perception and understanding of the subject.