ABSTRACT
In a tracking shot, the camera follows a moving subject from behind, alongside, or backwards in front of them, while keeping them within the boundaries of the frame. Tracking shots sometimes incorporate other camera moves to further underline the narrative significance of a moment in a scene. Due to the large amount of visual information they can contain, tracking shots are often long takes, especially when their main narrative function is to establish a strong visual and emotional connection between a character and their surrounding area. Tracking shots can be accomplished by moving the camera on a dolly, with a Steadicam, a gimbal, a slider, from inside a vehicle, with a drone, or even by just handholding the camera, among others. Focal length can have a major impact in how movement across the x- or the z-axis of the frame is perceived in a tracking shot.
