In
photography,
filmmaking and
video production, a
long shot (sometimes referred to as a
full shot or a
wide shot) typically shows the entire object or human figure and is usually intended to place it in some relation to its surroundings. A related notion is that of an
extreme long shot. This can be taken from as much as a quarter of a mile away, and is generally used as a scene-setting, establishing shot. It normally shows an exterior, e.g. the outside of a building, or a landscape, and is often used to show scenes of thrilling action e.g. in a war film or disaster movie. There will be very little detail visible in the shot, as it is meant to give a general impression rather than specific information.