Camera angles are one of the first things you should learn as a content creator. They help tell your story, grab your viewer’s attention, and set the mood for your video.
The way you place your camera can make someone feel close to a character, feel the tension in a scene, or understand who’s in control. Whether you’re making a vlog, tutorial, or short film, using the right angle can turn a simple video into something powerful.
So, what are the camera angles every creator should know, and how to use them to make your content stand out?
Camera Angles You Must Know and How to Use Them
Some angles make a person look strong. Others make things feel more personal or dramatic. Learning these basic camera angles will help you tell better stories.
Here are a few you should know:
1. Eye-Level Angle
This is when your camera is placed straight in front of someone’s face, at the same height as their eyes. It feels the most natural because it’s how we usually see each other in real life. This angle doesn’t add any drama or emotion, and that’s a good thing when you want to keep things clear and honest.
When to use it: Use the eye-level angle when you want your viewer to feel like they’re having a one-on-one conversation with you. It builds trust and helps people feel connected. That’s why this angle is perfect for vlogs, interviews, product reviews, or explainer videos.
Example: If you’re filming a YouTube Q&A or giving life advice, keep the camera at your eye level. It will make your audience feel like you’re speaking directly to them, like a friend.
2. High Angle
In a high angle, the camera is placed above the subject and points down. This makes the person or object look smaller or weaker. It’s great for showing that someone feels nervous, shy, scared, or powerless.
When to use it: Want to showcase a shift in power or mood, maybe someone is feeling unsure, or they’re being questioned or challenged? A high-angle shot is the way to go.
Example: Elevate your podcast interviews by using a high angle on a guest who’s opening up about a personal or emotional story. The angle adds to the feeling of vulnerability, helping the audience connect more deeply with what they’re saying.
3. Low Angle
The camera is placed below the subject and points up. This makes the person look taller, stronger, or more confident. It’s a powerful angle that makes your subject stand out.
When to use it:
Use a low angle when you want to show power, leadership, or importance. It can make your subject feel like a hero or even intimidating, depending on the scene.
Example: If you’re filming a fitness coach showing off strength or someone giving a motivational speech, a low angle adds power to their presence. It also works well in action videos (e.g., when a superhero stands tall after a victory).
4. Over-the-Shoulder Shot
This camera angle is filmed from behind someone’s shoulder, usually showing what they’re looking at. It helps your viewers see things from the person’s point of view and is perfect for scenes with two or more people talking or interacting.
When to use it: When you want your audience to feel like they’re part of the conversation, this shot works well for interviews, reaction shots, tutorials, and dramatic storytelling.
Example: In a video podcast with two hosts, you can use an over-the-shoulder shot while one person is speaking and the other is listening. It gives the audience a natural view of the conversation, just like they’re sitting in the room with you.
5. Close-Up
A close-up focuses tightly on someone’s face or a specific object. It’s a great way to show emotion, reactions, or details that might be missed in a wider shot. You can capture a tear, a smile, raised eyebrows, or even the fine print on a product.
When to use it: Use a close-up when you want viewers to notice how someone is feeling or when you need to show off something small but important. This angle draws attention and creates emotional impact.
Example: If you’re doing a beauty tutorial, a close-up of your eye while applying makeup lets your audience see exactly what you’re doing. Or if you’re unboxing something, zooming in on the product logo or texture gives your viewer a better look.
6. Wide Shot (or Long Shot)
A wide shot shows the full body of a person and a large part of the background. It helps the viewer understand where the person is and what’s happening around them. It sets the scene and gives everything more context.
When to use it: When location or movement is important, it’s ideal to use a wide shot angle. It’s great for storytelling, dance videos, travel vlogs, or showing the full layout of a room or event.
Example: If you’re filming a behind-the-scenes vlog at a film shoot or setting up for an event, a wide shot can show the full crew or stage. In fitness videos, it’s also perfect for showing full-body movements like workouts or yoga flows.
7. Dutch Angle
A Dutch Angle, also called a tilted shot, is when you tilt the camera slightly so the horizon line isn’t straight. This creates a slanted view, which makes things feel off-balance, unusual, or even a little creepy.
When to use it: When you want your viewer to feel that something is not quite right, it’s great for building tension, showing confusion, or making a scene feel strange, dramatic, or chaotic. You don’t need to use it often, but when you do, it should have a purpose.
Example: Filming a short film or skit where a character is feeling dizzy, paranoid, or in danger? A Dutch angle helps show that emotion. In a YouTube vlog, you can tilt the camera during a dramatic moment, like losing your keys or revealing a surprise. In gaming videos, use it during a boss fight or plot twist to add intensity.
Each angle has a purpose. When you pick the right one, your video becomes more powerful and fun to watch. Don’t be afraid to try different ones and see what works best for your style.
How Content Creators Invent New Effects Using Camera Angles
Some of the best creators incorporate and find new ways to use camera angles. This keeps their videos fun, fresh, and full of personality.
Let’s look at how some of the popular creators we love do this and how you can try it too.
Casey Neistat
Casey is known for his daily vlogs and unique style – check out Casey Neistat’s YouTube channel for examples. He often places the camera in strange spots, like on a moving skateboard or inside a fridge. These unusual angles make his videos more exciting. He also switches between wide shots, close-ups, and time-lapse scenes to tell his story in a fun way.
Try this: Place your camera in places people don’t expect. Show the scene from the floor, from behind a glass, or while moving.
Aaron Draplin
Aaron is a graphic designer – see how he frames his work on Aaron Draplin on Instagram. He uses top-down shots to show his sketchbooks and design tools. These angles make his process easy to follow and more personal.
Try this: If you make things with your hands, such as art, crafts, or baking, use overhead shots to show what you’re doing clearly.
Peter McKinnon
Peter is a filmmaker and photographer. He plays with camera angles to add mood and style by using low angles with slow motion to make a scene feel epic. He also infuses creative twists, like filming through objects or using reflections. Explore his style on Peter McKinnon’s YouTube channel.
Try this: Use a mirror, glass, or light to create cool effects. Combine angles with sound and editing to bring more emotion to your videos.
You don’t need fancy gear to be creative. Just move your camera around and test different views. Ask yourself: What does this angle say? How does it make my viewer feel? With practice, you’ll invent your own style, just like the pros.
Experiment, Break the Rules, and Make It Your Own
While it’s helpful to learn the basics first, but once you understand them, don’t be afraid to try something different.
Maybe you tilt the camera a little more than usual. Maybe you film from the floor or tape your phone to the ceiling. That’s how some of the most creative shots are born. The best part? You get to find your style by trying new things.
So go ahead, experiment with new camera angles, break the rules when the moment feels right, and make your videos truly yours. That’s how your content stands out and keeps people coming back.
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