Definition
What is a medium shot?
A medium shot is a versatile shot size that commonly frames a person around the waist or mid-torso up. It holds enough facial detail for performance while retaining hands and a portion of the surrounding space.
The medium shot resembles the conversational distance at which people often interact, so it is a workhorse for dialogue, interviews, demonstrations, and scenes that need clear body language without the intensity of a close-up.
It becomes more useful when its composition supports the scene’s action. Leave space for a hand gesture or a prop, decide whether the subject looks into available look room, and avoid cutting at a visually awkward joint.
Example in the edit
A presenter explains a repair from behind a workbench in a waist-up medium shot, with the tool visible when they lift it.
Why editors use it
Medium shots are adaptable editorial coverage that keep a person readable without losing all context.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Medium shot
How is a medium shot framed?
It is commonly waist-up, though the precise crop varies with the subject, lens, and action.
Why are medium shots common in interviews?
They show expression and gestures while leaving a little contextual space for a natural, conversational feel.
Can a medium shot include two people?
Yes. Size and subject count are separate descriptions, so it can also be a medium two-shot.