close shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical (Photography/Filmmaking), Informal (General Sports/Conversation)
Quick answer
What does “close shot” mean?
A photograph or film/video shot taken from a short distance, focusing on a person's face or a specific object, filling most of the frame.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A photograph or film/video shot taken from a short distance, focusing on a person's face or a specific object, filling most of the frame.
In cinema/photography: a tightly framed shot that emphasizes detail and intimacy. In sports (e.g., basketball): a shot taken from near the basket. In journalism: a piece of reporting focused on a specific, detailed aspect of a larger story.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in technical contexts (film/photography). In general sports commentary, 'close-range shot' is slightly more common in British English, while 'close shot' or 'shot from close range' are both used in American English.
Connotations
Neutral in both dialects for technical use.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American sports commentary. Equal frequency in film/media industries globally.
Grammar
How to Use “close shot” in a Sentence
[verb] + a close shot (e.g., film, take, get)a close shot + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., of the actor, on the object)[adjective] + close shot (e.g., extreme, tight, dramatic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “close shot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director decided to close-shot the actor's reaction.
- They close-shot the key evidence for clarity.
American English
- The DP chose to close-shot the emotion in the scene.
- We need to close-shot this detail.
adverb
British English
- The scene was filmed close-shot. (less common)
- He positioned the camera close-shot.
American English
- She framed it close-shot. (less common)
- The image was captured close-shot.
adjective
British English
- The close-shot sequence was powerful.
- He is known for his close-shot photography.
American English
- The close-shot footage was stunning.
- Her close-shot technique is impeccable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in marketing/media production ('We need more product close shots for the ad').
Academic
Used in film studies, media studies, and visual communication papers.
Everyday
Used by hobbyist photographers/videographers; in general conversation about films or photos ('I loved the close shots of her face').
Technical
Standard term in cinematography, photography, and video production shot lists and scripts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “close shot”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “close shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “close shot”
- Using 'close shoot' instead of 'close shot'.
- Confusing 'close shot' with 'closed shot' (non-existent).
- Using it to describe a narrowly missed goal in football/soccer (where 'close-range effort' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in photography and film, they are essentially synonymous, though 'close-up' is slightly more common in general speech. 'Close shot' can sound more technical.
Yes, but it's industry jargon. For example, a director might say, 'Let's close-shot this.' In everyday language, 'film/take a close shot' or 'get a close-up' is preferred.
A close shot (or close-up) frames a subject very tightly (e.g., just the face). A medium shot shows the subject from the waist up, providing more context while still focusing on the person.
It's understandable but not the most natural collocation. In football commentary, phrases like 'close-range finish', 'tap-in', or 'shot from point-blank range' are more idiomatic.
A photograph or film/video shot taken from a short distance, focusing on a person's face or a specific object, filling most of the frame.
Close shot is usually formal, technical (photography/filmmaking), informal (general sports/conversation) in register.
Close shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkləʊs ˈʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkloʊs ˈʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The film lives and dies on its close shots.”
- “It was a close shot, but it missed the mark. (sports/metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CLOSE' to the subject + 'SHOT' from a camera = a CLOSE SHOT. Imagine stepping close to someone to take their picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROXIMITY IS INTIMACY/INTENSITY (a close shot brings the viewer closer to the subject's emotional or physical reality).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'close shot' LEAST likely to be used?