Objective And Subjective Shooting

Objective Shooting

In objective shooting the camera is literally observing the scene, and can do so from as many viewpoints as required to tell the story of what is happening.

The audience views the scene from the point of view of a magical invisible person, who can see and hear, but can never touch or interfere with whatever is happening.

Subjective Shooting

A subjective shot attempts to simulate views or feelings. It is not independent of the action, but attempts to be the action. In subjective shooting, the camera does not look at the scene, it is the scene.

Because the camera is usually from a persons point of view there cannot be a true two shot in subjective shooting.

Mixed Shooting

Often subjective and objective shots can be mixed. This is mostly in dramatic sequences but often occurs in a more simplified format when the audience needs to see what the subject sees.