Camera Angles and Film Techniques Flashcards
Eye level shot
When your subject is at eye-level they’re in a neutral perspective (not superior or inferior). This mimics how we see people in real life – our eye line connecting with theirs.
Low angle shot
This shot frames the subject from a low camera height. These camera shots most often emphasise power dynamics between characters. A superior character with the upper hand is often framed from down low. This makes an inferior feel like they are looking up to them.
High angle shot
In a high angle shot, the camera points down at your subject. It usually creates a feeling of inferiority, or “looking down” on your subject.
Hip level shot
A hip level shot is when your camera is roughly waist-high.
Knee level shot
This is when your camera height is about as low as your subject’s knees. They can emphasise a character’s superiority if paired with a low angle.
Ground level shot
A ground level shot is when your camera’s height is on ground level with your subject. Needless to say, this shot captures what’s going on the ground your subject stands on.
Shoulder level shot
This is when your camera is roughly as high as your subject’s shoulders. Shoulder level shots are actually much more standard than an eye level shot, which can make your actor seem shorter than reality. A shoulder level shot can maximise the feeling of superiority when paired with a low angle.
Dutch Angle shot
For a dutch angle (dutch tilt), the camera is slanted to one side. With the horizon lines tilted in this way, you can create a sense of disorientation.
Bird’s eye shot
An overhead shot is from way up high, looking down on your subject and a good amount of the scenery surrounding him or her. This can create a great sense of scale and movement.
Aerial shot
Whether taken from a helicopter or drone, this is a shot from way up high. It establishes a large expanse of scenery.
