Basic Camera Angles

Camera Angle

The term camera angle  refers to the way a shot is composed. The relationship between the camera and the object being picturise gives emotional information to an audience, and guides their perception about the character in shot. The more intense the angle, the more symbolic and heavily-loaded the shot.

1. Eye Level

An eye-level angle is the one in which the camera is placed at the subject’s height approximately five to six feet from the ground, so if the actor is looking at the lens, he wouldn’t have to look up or down. Eye-level shots are incredibly common because they are fairly neutral shot. They often have no dramatic power whatsoever, thus they are ideal for romantic comedies and news casting

2. The Bird's-Eye view

The shot is shown from directly above. This is a completely different and very unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different perspective.

In drama it can be used to show the positions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the viewer to see things the characters can't. This shot does, however, put the audience in a godlike position, looking down on the action.

3. High Angle

A High angle also known as Top Angle, it shows the subject from above but not so extreme as a bird's eye view. High angles make the object photographed seem smaller, it aims to portray the subject as submissive, inferior or weak in some way.

4. Low Angle

Low angles are captured from a camera placed below the actor’s eyes, looking up at them. Low angles  making them appear larger so as to convey them as heroic and giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant. This is totally opposite to High Angle or Top angle shot.

5. Dutch Tilt Angle

Also called canted or Slanted angle, this is where the camera is purposely tilted to one side so the horizon is on an angle. Dutch Tilt angles can be employed with great artistic effect to disorient and disturb the viewer. It is unusual angle but sometimes camera is tilted to represent imbalance and instability (very popular in horror movies).  This technique is suggest Point of View shots (POV).

                                                                                                                                          

- Jagadish