What is a close-up shot?

• A. A shot showing someone from the shoulders up.
• B. A wide establishing shot of the entire scene
• C. A drone shot from above
• D. A long shot of crowds

Answer: (A)

A close-up shot focuses tightly on a subject, usually the face, to capture detail and emotion in a way that pulls the viewer close to the character. The option describing someone from the shoulders up fits this idea because it keeps the face and upper expression prominent in the frame, which is exactly what a close-up aims to do—highlight emotion and small details that matter to the scene.

In contrast, the wide establishing shot sets the scene and location, so it isn’t close-up work. A drone shot from above gives an aerial view and broad context, not an intimate view of the subject. A long shot of crowds shows people at a distance, emphasizing scale and environment rather than personal detail.