How to Use a Zoom Shot — A Lesson In Stylization
Video Zoom Shot — We look at how to build a great zoom shot, and how auteurs use the technique.Subscribe to StudioBinder Academy ►► https://bit.ly/sb-ad
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Zoom Shots in Film
00:58 - Zoom Lenses Defined
03:43 - Chapter 1: Technical Aspects
08:19 - Chapter 2: Types of Zooms
10:46 - Chapter 3: Creative Applications
14:22 - Takeaways
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WHAT IS A ZOOM SHOT?
The zoom shot is a staple of cinema. And yet, it's somewhat controversial. Some filmmakers refuse to zoom, seeing the technique as showy or dated. Others, like Stanley Kubrick or Robert Altman, made a career out of jaw-dropping zooms. So what makes a zoom shot so powerful? And how do great filmmakers use it?
ZOOM LENS PHYSICS
From a technical standpoint, a zoom shot is achieved by adjusting the focal length of a zoom lens while the camera is recording. As the focal length increases, the image appears to magnify, bringing the subject closer in the frame, known as a zoom in. Conversely, decreasing the focal length widens the frame, pushing the subject away, known as a zoom out. Unlike a prime lens, which has a fixed focal length, a zoom lens allows for continuous variation, making it a flexible tool on set. However, zoom lenses typically have more optical elements and are generally heavier and slower than primes. The movement of the zoom can be controlled manually or by motorized systems for smoother motion.
EXAMPLE OF ZOOM SHOTS
There are many types of zoom shots, each serving a different purpose. A slow zoom-in can gradually draw attention to a character or detail, building tension or intimacy. It can even go unnoticed by the viewer, but it subtly alters emotional engagement. A slow zoom-out, on the other hand, can situate a character in their environment, emphasizing loneliness or disconnection. Snap zooms, meanwhile, are more abrupt and attention-grabbing. They're often used for comic effect or stylistic flair. The pacing and direction of the zoom shapes how the audience interprets a moment.
CRAZIEST ZOOM SHOT IN FILM
Creatively, zoom shots can be combined with camera movement to produce visually stunning effects. One of the most famous is the dolly zoom, where the camera moves forward while simultaneously zooming out (or vice versa). This creates a disorienting shift in perspective, where the subject remains the same size in the frame while the background appears to stretch or compress. Zooms can also be paired with pans or tilts, tracking movements, or rack focus transitions. The key to effective use lies in intention: zooming should serve the narrative or emotional tone, not just act as a visual gimmick.
In the hands of a thoughtful filmmaker, the zoom shot can become more than a cheap trick. The power of a zoom lies in your hands— if it feels dated or distracting, rethink how you're using it. A bad carpenter, after all, blames his tools.
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