Analysing camera work in TV Documentary

Camera shots found:

- Mid Shot

- Extreme close up

- Wide

- Close up

- Wide

- Tracking

- Aerial 

- Panning

- Tilt

The wide shots are used to show the whole herd, suggesting a sense of togetherness and a community among the elephants. All of the interviewing sections are shot in mid shots. Extreme close ups of Echo the elephant near her eye shows the animal's emotion and the audience has empathy for her. The aerial shot sets the scene of the subject being documented and allows you to follow the elephants on their journey which sets up the story line of the documentary. Panning shots used to show a large amount of scenery and it also follows the action. Camera tilts upwards from Echo's feet to her head, this emphasised her size and how she is important to her family. 

Does the camera work add to the authenticity of the documentary?

The camera shot does enhance the documentary's authenticity, because you are able to see nature at different angles and interpret and receive them in a different way. It makes the documentary less tedious because it arranges and mixes up the footage of the animal and the interview. This creates more of a mood, because if the interviewer says something heart warming and then cuts to sad footage consisting of close ups it has more of a impact. 

Does the documentary draw your attention to the presence of the camera operator or does it attempt to conceal it?

The shots are smooth and you don't notice the camera man because you are fixated on the footage of the elephants and the music which sets the tone in turn. You are too focused on the documentary to notice the camera man, it is the last thing on your mind.