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Shots indicating camera Angle/Placement

Shots indicating camera Angle/Placement

   In addition to subject size within a frame, shot types can also indicate where a camera is 
placed in relation to the subject. Here are some commonly used terms:

 Eye Level  

   Shot taken with the camera approximately at human eye level, resulting in a neutral effect on the audience.

 High Angle  

   Subject is photographed from above eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject 
seem vulnerable, weak, or frightened.

 Low Angle  

   Subject is photographed from below eye level. This can have the effect of making the subject 
look powerful, heroic, or dangerous.

 Dutch Angle/Tilt  

   Shot in which the camera is set at an angle on its roll axis so that the horizon line is not level. 
It is often used to show a disoriented or uneasy psychological state.

 Over-the-Shoulder Shot  

   A popular shot where a subject is shot from behind the shoulder of another, framing the subject 
anywhere from a Medium to Close-Up. The shoulder, neck, and/or back of the head of the subject facing 
away from the camera remains viewable, making the shot useful for showing reactions during 
conversations. It tends to place more of an emphasis on the connection between two speakers rather 
than the detachment or isolation that results from single shots.
Bird’s-Eye View (aka Top Shot)  

   A high-angle shot that’s taken from directly overhead and from a distance. The shot gives the 
audience a wider view and is useful for showing direction and that the subject is moving, to highlight 
special relations, or reveal to the audience elements outside the boundaries of the character’s 

awareness. The shot is often taken from on a crane or helicopter.

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