Some Important Camera Angles

Based in Georgia, Steve Colby is the director of Pogo Pictures, a successful commercial production company in the South East. As an award-winning director and cinematographer, Steve Colby has successfully filmed in 47 American states and many countries.

In cinematography, camera angles are an essential concept since they determine the mood or narrative of the film. Some of the important camera angles include:

1. The High-Angle: Here, one points the camera down on the subject or object from above. Cinematographers use it to evoke a sense of powerlessness or vulnerability on the subject. So, this angle is pretty common in horror movies.

2. The Low-Angle: Cinematographers use the low-angle to effect a sense of power or strength on the entity. They position their cameras on the vertical axis below the eye line, creating an upward view.

3. The Over-The-Shoulder Angle: When over two characters dialogue, cinematographers use the over-the-shoulder angle. This angle helps to establish the eye line of each character. So, the audience may know the direction of each character’s glance. The over-the-head angle also lets viewers know when a character can see what others cannot see.

4. The Bird’s Eye Angle: This angle is best suited for films where the setting of each scene is pivotal to the plot. Here, cinematographers use a drone or stay at an elevated structure to capture the action below.

5. The Dutch Angle: Here, cinematographers tilt their camera to one side, creating an uneven frame. This angle produces an intense atmosphere, leading to suspense in the plot.

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