Camera Angles and How to Use Them

The range of camera angles is a continuum rather than discrete positions of a camera. The Neutral Angle, or eye level, is the most common camera angle used. The camera is lined up with the eyes of the subject and gives the most realistic view of the subject. If the camera is higher or lower, this can affect how the subject looks. In an interview, you don't want the nostrils to be accentuated by having the camera too low. Go higher and the forehead starts to look massive. This is why the Neutral Angle is so common, we can see this everywhere in film and video.

This is not to say that other angles don't have their uses though, not generally in an interview though. A Low Angle can show power and helplessness together. The appearance of an imposing villain looking down at the camera can show the precarious situation that the hero is in. Quentin Tarantino has a series of famous "trunk shots" that he has used in multiple films that show his characters opening a car trunk with the camera inside the trunk. These are very effective for the story when used properly.

The Worms Eye View takes the low angle all the way to the ground. It's not a common angle in film, but it can be used to show a pursuit in an effective way.

A High Angle can be used to show action from above, showing a character as less powerful. When it's used to show a character trying to move through a crowd it can show the character as overwhelmed by the environment. Any time the story can be helped by looking down at the action, a high angle is useful.

The Birds Eye View is from directly overhead, and can make a memorable shot when it's needed. As the extreme version of a high angle, the birds eye view makes for a great shot.

Another angle to mention is the Dutch Angle. This is when the camera is tilted, leaving the horizon at an angle. This is used to show an insane point of view, or a response to drugs. When the story can use an unsettling or disturbing scene the dutch angle can be used.

As you can see from this discussion of camera angles, a small change in how the camera is used can have an intense effect when used for a specific response in a story or scene. And a small change can ruin a shot when the angle is misused. Recording an interview can be spoiled if the camera is left at an angle that doesn't support the scene. It's no fun to watch an interview when the camera is looking up the nose of the person on camera!

Join us again for our next discussion of camera use!