Ultimate Guide to Camera Angles: Every Camera Shot Explained [Shot List, Ep. 3]

Chapters:
00:00 Intro — Camera Angles in Filmmaking
01:15 Low Angle Shot
02:28 High Angle Shot
04:05 Overhead Shot
05:06 Dutch Angle Shot
06:41 Eye Level Shot
07:52 Shoulder Level Shot
08:56 Hip Level
09:58 Knee Level
11:02 Ground Level
12:16 Final Takeaways

Every filmmaker brings some fundamental film theory to their cinematography. Whether it is the shot size, camera framing, or camera angles — they all add up to give each shot meaning. In this episode of The Shot List, we will look exclusively at cinematography techniques and camera angles in filmmaking.

Camera angles in filmmaking have certain characteristics that every filmmaker should understand. Visual storytelling is dependent on how you use the camera to tell a story. Whether you use a high angle shot, low angle shot, birds-eye-view shot, over-the-shoulder shot (OTS), or a direct overhead shot to capture a scene, that decision brings with it the concept of “perspective.” With Dutch angle shots (aka Dutch Tilt), you’re relying on cinematography techniques to bring a sense of imbalance or tension to a shot. Camera angles and techniques like these can elevate the script and the scene in ways that only visual storytelling can provide.

When filmmakers fully understand directing, cinematography, visual storytelling, and camera angles, they have the power to turn their filmmaking into something great. Check out our previous episodes from The Shot List on Camera Shots and Camera Framing. And stay tuned for the following episode on Depth of Field and Focal Length.

#cinematography #filmmaking #directing

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Low Angle Shot (LA) Low Angle are typically used to make a subject more powerful

High Angle Shot (HA) High Angle are typically used to make the subject feel small (weak and vulnerable)

Overhead Angle Shot (OA) (Also known as the birds eye view, or Gods eye view) When a camera approaches 90% it becomes the overhead shot. Overhead Angle Shots are good when showcasing fighting scenes, or suggesting a connection to the divine. (Also good when showcasing bodies, or showing a character that feels disconnected to the world.)

Dutch Angle Shot (DA) Stews the horizontal access of the frame, creating a sense of unease, showcasing craze, terror, or derangement, can also be used to magnify tension


Eye Level Shot: (Camera placed at eye level) The most commonly used shot broadcasting subjects emotion, creating connection hence eye level. Sometimes can be used to break the fourth wall.

Shoulder Level Shot: (Camera following or showing the shoulders) Can broadcast movement, (slightly low angled shots) shoulder level shots are often used for conversations, frequently over the shoulder shots (OTS) can emphasize a height difference. In a romantic situation, the barely upturned eyeline can ENHANCE an affectionate glance.

The Hip Level Shot: Often showing what's in the subjects hand or what's on their waist. In suspense movies, the hip level, eye level and extreme close ups intensifies. To create an iconic sequence, that is exciting as it is intense.

Just below the hip, is the Knee Level Shot: (The camera is placed up to the subjects knee height.) Knee high shots, often find themselves doubling with low angles. A knee level shot can be a great way to track through an environment following a character. It could also be a good way to showcase character details, that might be missed in a wider shot. Like how in the "run, Forrest, run" scene gives us a front-row seat to his personal triumph.

Now last but not least, the ground level shot: A ground level shot finds the camera placed all the way down to the ground. Or sometimes slightly below ground. Ground level shots often double as low-angles, if there is any degree of upward tilt. Shooting from ground level can be a stylish way to track a characters movement throughout a scene. Or to capture details within the setting. Example: The Shining scene; kid on the bike scene.

Takeaway: So when you create your shot list, consider how the camera angle or height affects the messaging. Be creative, as that's what makes your film yours.