Camera work in horror movies
Establishing shot
The establishing shot in insidious is used to capture all the things in the setting, also, the movie is based on a haunted house therefore showing the houses in which the family will be haunted. The upper class lifestyle is presented through the shot as it is visually visible that the house is grand and nicely kept, which contrasts to all the things which happen inside the house, also, big houses are a key convention in horror movies.
Long Shot
The long shot in this scene is used to show all the things in the scene, also the space around the protagonist is used to reinforce the idea that she is alone, the low-key lighting is used to connote the dark and mysterious element of the abandoned room.
Tilt shot
A tilt shot gives the action a more dramatic feel, creating tension and unease to the audience. Also it give audience a difference perspective for example, in the image below, from a scene in Insidious, the tilt shots creates an atmosphere of tension making the audience feel somewhat threatened by the red door or what's behind it.
Close up
This shot is used to draw the audience to a specific object or person and closer attention on the little details, helping the audience observe the fear and tense emotions a person is feeling. For, example in SAW, the villain's seriousness is depicted by focusing on his facial expressions, as his stern look creates unease and a degree of fear to the audience as they can get a clear imagine of the victim's pain/suffering.
High angle/bird's eye view
This shot is used to create a barrier in terms of power, high angle shots are often used to connote the authority and superiority held by an individual, making them look physically vulnerable and helpless. Bird's eye views are also used in horror movies to show the entire image to the audience, bird's eye view shots often are a dramatic device as they allow the audience to see what's happening in the scene and the possible threats whereas the victims do not know. This shot from The Walking Dead, the zombies which are gathering in masses is shown to the audience through the bird's eye view, this creates feelings of sympathy for the humans who are helplessly trying to stay alive.
Tracking shot
Tracking shots are used to show that the victim is being watched or followed. These shots are common in horror films as the instil fear in the audience by making the audience aware that the victim is being followed. In zombie horrors they are common, along with the sound of footsteps getting increasingly louder the tracking shot reaffirms the genre of the film.
Point of view
Point of view shots are used to show the scene through the protagonists eyes, in the shot from Orphan, the audience are able to see through the eyes of the Ester. These shots are often used to create an element of fear as the audience do not know who is watching and sometimes who is being watched, therefore playing with human feelings of fear of the unknown.
Hand-held shot
Hand-held shots create realism, making the audience feel as though they are part of the film themselves these shots give the audience a true and genuine account of what the protagonist sees. These are very common in horror films as it is used to present scenes in confined spaces and fast faced action whereby the protagonist makes a sharp and quick move, allowing the audience to be a part of it too. Horrors like Paranormal activity use these shots throughout the film as it enhances the viewing experience because the audience are amerced into the scene as they feel they are part of the action on screen.
