Camera angles

myp4

The camera is placed slightly below the characters, making the characters look powerful and intimidating.

Low angle

The camera is placed above to make the characters look small, weak, and vulnerable.

High angle

Shows a character from head to mid-thigh. Helps show readiness, confidence and function.

Cow Boy shot

Shows knees to feet. The camera is positioned towards the floor, showing the movement of the legs. It highlights the environment around the character.

Knee-level

Taken very close to the ground. Helps feel closer to the action. 

Ground-level

More comfortable shots help show dialogue and situation.

Shoulder-level

Tilted shots to make the scene uneasy, chaotic, and unstable. Helps show danger and emotional stress

Dutch angle

Straight above the character's head provides an overall view of the surroundings and shows how small the character is compared to their setting. Makes the character appear trapped and insignificant. 

Bird’s eye view

Shots taken in the air are taken to show the landscape. Often at the movies. 

Aerial shot

Straight to the face that brings out honesty and comfort.

1. Eye level