What is a medium close-up?

Answer 1

A medium close up is a film or video shot that is framed from the chest upwards. Usually, a small space is included above the head.

The exact position of the top and bottom of the picture are not absolutely always the same: artistic variations, the shape of the person's head, hair or hat, camera angle etc mean there is some variability.

Typically, though, the bottom of the picture is a little below the armpits. For a woman, sometimes the framing is influenced by a wish to complement or emphasise the shape of her breasts.

A medium close up is often used for "talking heads" - newsreaders, people giving information, people being interviewed, etc. As we're used to seeing this shot every day on our screens in this context, it is a fairly neutral looking shot for a main person who is talking.

A closer shot (e.g. just head and shoulders, or closer still) could be used if things start to involve emotion or drama.