CAMERA ANGLES
Nine Angles a Camera is Held to Visually Convey a Narrative or Emotion
Low Angle (LA)
A Low Angle (LA) is when the camera’s location is below the subject’s eyeline, looking up at them. They are typically used to make a subject more powerful. The angle can be subtle or extreme. It is often paired with the High Angle to show two imbalanced sides of power in a scene.
High Angle (HA)
A High Angle (LA) is when the camera’s location is above the subject’s eyeline, looking down on them. They are typically used to diminish a character, making them look weak or vulnerable. The angle can be subtle or extreme.
An alternative version of the High Angle is the “Aerial Shot”, which is where the camera follows the subject from high in the air. Although typically found in chase sequences, it is most commonly used to establish environments: cities, landscapes, characters moving in a larger world, etc.
Overhead
An Overhead (alternatively known as “Bird’s Eye View” or “God’s Eye View”) Shot is when the camera is 90O angle above the subject, directly above them and looking straight down at them.
This angle works well for showing complex movement, a connection to a divine collection, or capturing the details of a crime scene.
Dutch Angle
A Dutch Angle is when the camera is rotated on its side axis and tilts the frame.
Typically used in moments of great emotion with the subject (at times) presented as imbalanced or not in their right state of mind: it can create a sense of uneasiness, mania, terror, ot bewilderment. It is used to magnify tension in a scene: the further the angle of the tilt, the greater the tension in the scene.
Eye Level
An Eye Level Shot is when the camera is translated to the eye-level of the subject.
It is very commonly used as it is the most typical way people interact with one another. It does not add any additional information on its own, but it is used to empathise with the character.
Shoulder Level
A Shoulder Level is when the camera is translated to the shoulder level of the subject.
It gives the illusion of a low angle shot, without the connotations presented. It is the second most used camera angle after the Eye-Level shot. They are typically used in conversations between characters, and can at times be framed as an Over the Shoulder shot. They can emphasise a height difference and communicate a power difference.
Hip Level
A Hip Level is when the camera is translated to the hip level of the subject.
This angle is found in every genre, but conventionally appears in Western Cowboy films alongside the Cowboy shot size. This is due to gun holsters placed at hip level.
Knee Level
A Knee Level is when the camera is translated to the level of the subject’s knees.
It is typically used to track a character through an environment, or showcase character details missed in a Wide Shot. These shots often double as Low Angle shots.
Ground Level
A Ground Level is when the camera is translated to the level of the ground below the subject, or even slightly below the ground. It can also be on the level of the subject’s ankles.
It can be used to track a character’s movements through a scene in a stylish manner, or to capture an environment’s details. If the camera tilts upwards, it can double as a Low Angle shot.
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