by lindseybouwhuis

Camera Angles and Techniques

There are many different camera angles and techniques, each with their own purpose. Five of my favorite types of angles/techniques are: full shots, cowboy (american) shots, eye level shots, low angle shots, and dutch angle/tilted shots.

  1. Full shots: frames character from head to foot. Subject fills frame. Used to emphasize action and movement rather than emotion.
The subject (the woman on the bike) fills the whole frame

2. Cowboy (aka American) shots: a variation of medium shots (framed from the waist up and used to show both action and emotion). Framed from the mid-thighs up (showed gun holsters in 1930’s and 40’s Western films).

the subjects (me and my friend) are framed from the mid-thighs up

3. Eye level shots: shot taken at eye level. Provides a neutral effect.

shot from eye level; has no emotional sway

4. Low angle shots: shot from blow eye level looking up. Makes the subject look powerful, heroic or dangerous.

shot form low angle; makes the buildings seem imposing and strong

5. Dutch angle/Tilt shots: shot when camera is at an angle so the horizon line is not level. Used to show a disoriented or uneasy state.

shot at an angle; gives a creepy and uncomfortable feel

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