Establishing shot definition

A shot that is generally the first of a new scene. It is designed to show the audience watching, exactly where the scene is taking place. Generally, it's a wide or extremely wide shot. More often than not, an establishing shot is conducted from the outside of a building. Or in scifi films, they're used to show the outside of a spaceship or planet.

Wide shot definition

Known as a wide shot, the individual or object takes up the majority of the frame height wise. Generally the feet of a person in a wide shot are nearing the bottom, and their head is nearing the top. They're used to show where something is located, such as in an establishing shot, but obviously on a closer scale. It allows the audience to see the immediate environment of the object/person.

Pan shot

A pan shot is one that involves rotating the camera along a horizontal plane. They can be used to show someone shaking their head from side to side. It's one of the most simple shots, and simply involves moving the camera in a sweeping motion.

Medium shot definition

A medium shot is one that moves even closer to the subject than a wide shot. It shows less of the setting around them and generally less of the subject too.