Camera Movements & Angles
Camera Movements
Camera and Tripod Move
Dolly
Camera+tripod moves forward or backwards
Truck
Camera+tripod moves sideways, either to the left or to the right
Arc
Camera+tripod moves in a circle around the subject
Camera Moves, Tripod Stationary
Pedestal
Camera is raised or lowered, fixed on a tripod
Tilt
Vertical movement, fixed on a tripod
Pan
Horizontal movement, fixed on a tripod
Camera Angles
Overhead
Bird’s eye view
Camera is 90 degrees, directly above the subject, looking straight down.
Great for showcasing complex movements.
Eye Level
Camera is at subject’s eye level.
How we see people in real life.
Neutral perspective.
Shoulder Level
Camera angle that is as high as your subject’s shoulders.
Frequently used during conversations.
Hip Level
Camera is roughly waist high.
Knee Level
Camera height is about as low as your subject’s knees.
Great for tracking a character through the environment or focusing on smaller details.
Ground Level
Camera’s height is on ground level with your subject.
Great for tracking a character through the environment or focusing on smaller details.
High Angle
Camera points down at your subject from above their eyes.
Makes a character seem weak or vulnerable.
Low Angle
Camera is below a subject’s eye line and looking up at them.
Makes someone look powerful.
Dutch Angle
Camera is slanted to one side (skews the horizontal axis)
Creates a sense of unease and disorientation.
