How to Find the Perfect Camera Angle

The first thing to understand is that camera angles are all determined by what you want the person observing to focus on. Both the way that I position the camera and myself (the photographer) in relation to the image can completely change the image. The pet and succulent pictures on the left with different angles were taken in the same place at the same time. Do you see how they each convey something different? Generally, I start by determining what are the elements of the object that I am photographing that I want to capture and convey. This is the essential step in choosing the camera angle.

What are some common camera angles that I use:

1.    Eye-level… most commonly used angle for photos. It creates a natural look to the photo as the image is similar to what you would see.

2.    Low-angle… in this instance you will taking the pictures from an angle in which you are shooting upwards. It can have the effect of making the object appear larger than it is. This is used often in movies.

3.    High-angle or bird’s-eye view… in this case you are taking the picture from above, looking down on the subject. It can make the object appear smaller or the background appear more dramatic. Typically used for photographs of objects.

4.    Dutch-angle… uses a tilt (like you would see tilting your head). This technique is used in movies to create an ominous mood.

5.    Distance (close, medium, long) angle… distance can be used to emphasize the object or the background.

Let’s consider some examples and when to use:

·         If I were to be hired to take a photo of someone by a cliff with the view of the cliff being half the focus and the person being the other half of the focus, I would align them into the left half while looking over the cliff (eye level, medium distance).

·         On the other hand, if the person were the primary focus, then I may align them in the middle and take a closer photo (eye level, medium distance or close-up).

·         If the cliff is the main focus, I may shoot the photo from farther away (long angle) and align the person on far sides of the photo or even take the photo from above (high angle or bird’s-eye) keeping the person’s presence small within it.

Next time you take a photo, get creative and have fun. Photography and camera angles are a process of trial and error to find the feeling you want to convey.