Camera Shots - The Lion King

Although a cartoon, Disney's The Lion King still uses the same concepts of "camera shots" in the animation that are used in other films.

The Long Shot as Orientation Shot:

This long shot showing pride rock, the surrounding area, and some of its inhabitants makes use of the wide view available when using this technique to orient and familiarize the viewer with the setting.

Medium Shot as Relationship Information Shot:

The medium shot is often used to portray visually the relationship between characters in a story.  In this medium shot, a decent amount of space is still available on the screen, although not as much as in the long shot.  Even with this space, the directory chose to place Rafiki and Mufasa close to each other, to symbolize their friendship and trust for one another.  Even in this portrayal of friendship, there is still a hierarchy  of power.  Mufasa is taller and placed on the right of the shot, both of which symbolize his position.

Closeup as marker of detail, emotion, and feeling:

Because the details of objects, facial expressions, etc. are more easily viewed in close-up shots, this technique if often used to reveal details and focus on emotions and feelings of the characters in an "up close and personal" way.  In this shot, Simba and Nala look lovingly at each other, and their facial expressions, easily seen in this close up shot, allows the viewer to better pick up on the emotions they are sharing.  In the context of the story, this shot also helps aid to the feeling of closure and resolve of conflict, and pulls the viewer into the happiness of Simba, Nala, and the rest of the Pride Lands that are now free from Scar's regime.