Moving Image Arts Glossary
t
Telephoto lens
Like using a telescope, a telephoto lens seems to bring the subject closer and make the perspective flatter.
Tilt
The camera tilts vertically up or down.
Track
This means moving the camera itself towards or away from the subject or to follow a moving subject. It is not to be confused with a zoom, where the camera's lens is varied to give the impression of moving closer to, or away from, the subject.
Transitions - Cross dissolve
One image dissolves into another. Sometimes this is used to build up a relaxed atmosphere, or to show that we've moved on in time or space.
Transitions - Cut
One image is suddenly replaced by another. The vast majority of editing involves cutting between one shot and another. Other more involving transitions, like those mentioned below, are best used between scenes.
Transitions - Fade out
An image gradually fades out. Fading to and from black usually means that time has passed.
Transitions - Fade up
An image gradually fades in.
Transitions - Wipe
One image replaces another without dissolving, with the border between the images moving across or around the screen.