A low angle camera shot is when the camera looks up at the subject from below. This simple change in perspective can make characters or objects appear bigger, stronger, or more powerful.
Being aware of the best uses for this shot can improve how you tell video stories and attract attention.
Why Use a Low Angle Camera Shot?
Empirical research across psychology, media studies, and communication fields has explored these effects.
1. Perceived Power and Dominance
A study published in Computers in Human Behavior Reports looked at how people feel during videoconferences. It found that participants saw individuals filmed from a lower camera angle as more dominant than those filmed from a higher angle. 1
2. Emotional Engagement and Memory Retention
Camera angles can also affect how well viewers comprehend and remember visual narratives. A study in Memory & Cognition demonstrated that camera angles influenced participants’ evaluations of characters and recall of story events. Specifically, low-angle shots affected judgments of characters’ physical and personal traits, as well as the retention of story details.2
3. Contextual Influence on Perception
The impact of low-angle shots can vary depending on context. For instance, in leadership portrayals, web camera angles influence perceptions of charisma and approval according to a study.3 However, low-angle shot effects varied, influenced by factors like eye contact and gender.
Low-angle shots are indeed powerful tools in visual storytelling, capable of conveying dominance, authority, and emotional intensity. But their effectiveness depends on the context and the specific traits a filmmaker, podcaster, or communicator wishes to show.
Common Uses of Low Angle Shots in Video and Film
Check out some common ways filmmakers use these shots, including how they help plan scenes for storyboarding, and see how creators apply them to make their videos more exciting, powerful, or emotional.
1. Low Angle Camera Shots Make a Person Look Powerful or Important
Filming someone from below can make them look big, strong, or in control. This is useful when showing a hero, a leader, or even a villain.
Example: Peter McKinnon, a professional photographer, often uses low angles when talking directly to the camera or walking through epic landscapes. It makes him seem bold and confident, which adds energy to his storytelling.
2. To Show Action and Movement
A low angle camera shot is great for fast movement, such as running, skating, or jumping. The shot makes the action look bigger and more intense.
Example: Qi Graphics’ favorite content creator, Casey Neistat, uses low angles when skateboarding or running through the streets of New York. The camera pointed up from the sidewalk adds a rush of energy and shows how fast things are moving.
3. To Highlight Creativity or Style
Sometimes, creators just want the shot to look cool or different. Low angles can show buildings, skies, or lights in a unique way that grabs attention.
Example: Aaron Draplin, a graphic designer, might use a low angle when filming his workspace or products to show size, weight, and texture dramatically. It infuses personality into his content.
4. To Show the World from a Different View
Filming from below can make the viewer feel small or childlike. This can be used to show wonder, fear, or curiosity.
Example: Creators might use a low angle to film a tall tree, a big city building, or a crowded street to make the viewer feel overwhelmed or amazed.
5. To Create Suspense or Drama
Low angles can also build tension. Looking up at someone can feel scary or intense, especially when paired with strong lighting or music.
Example: In short films or dramatic YouTube videos, creators use low angles during arguments or emotional moments to show pressure or power shifts.
Why Creators Prefer Low Angles
- They make everyday scenes look more exciting
- They help control how we feel about the subject
- They bring variety and visual interest to a video
- They’re easy to shoot with phones, GoPros, or a tripod
Low angle shots are more than just pointing the camera upward; they tell a gripping story.
When to Prefer a Low Angle Shot Over Other Angles
Sometimes, choosing a low angle shot can make your video stronger, even if you have a small space or a tight budget.
Here are five good reasons to use a low angle instead of other types of shots and how it helps you:
1. You Have Limited Space
If you’re filming in a small room, hallway, or tight spot, it can be hard to fit everything in the frame. But when you point the camera up from the floor or near it, you can still make your subject stand out.
Besides, you don’t need much room to create drama or focus attention. Just drop your camera low and shoot upward. It makes things look bigger and more exciting.
2. You Want Something to Look Bigger or More Powerful
Low angle shots make people or objects look taller and stronger. If you want to show a character as a leader or make a product look bold, this is a great angle to use.
You also control how the viewer feels. A low angle says, “This matters.” Even a simple object can seem important from this view.
3. You’re Working on a Tight Budget
High-end gear like cranes or drones can be expensive. But low angle shots are easy to do with a phone, a small tripod, or even by placing your camera on the ground.
A creative low angle can give your video a professional, dramatic look for free. You don’t need fancy tools.
4. You Want to Be Creative or Different
If most of your shots are eye-level, switching to a low angle adds variety. It surprises the viewer and keeps your video fresh and interesting.
Just make your videos stand out without changing the whole setup. One low angle in the right place can grab attention.
5. You Want to Show the Sky or Background
Sometimes, the background tells part of the story, like a tall building, big clouds, or a full moon. A low angle helps you include those without cutting off your subject.
Better yet, you can show more of the world around the person or object, which makes your video feel bigger and more open.
Tips for Shooting Effective Low Angle Shots
Low angle shots can make your videos look awesome, but to get the best results, you need to do a few things right. Here are some easy tips to help you shoot great low angle shots:
1. Get Close to the Ground
Put your camera or phone close to the floor or even on the ground. This helps make your subject look bigger and stronger.
Tip: Use a small tripod, or just hold your camera low and steady.
2. Check Your Background
Because you’re shooting upward, the background might include the sky, the ceiling, or tall buildings. Make sure nothing distracting (like trash or wires) is in the shot.
Tip: Move around a little to find the best angle where the background looks clean and fits your story.
3. Use Good Lighting
Lighting is important, especially when shooting from below. Shadows can fall differently, so make sure your subject’s face or object is well lit.
Tip: If outside, shoot when the sun is soft (morning or late afternoon). If inside, add lights to brighten the subject from the front or side.
4. Keep Your Camera Stable
Because the camera is low, it might be harder to keep steady. Shaky footage can distract viewers.
Tip: Use a tripod, a flat surface, or a stabilizer. If you’re hand-holding, try to keep your hands steady or lean on something solid.
5. Experiment with Different Angles
Not every low angle camera shot works the same. Try shooting from different heights and distances to see what looks best.
Tip: Move the camera a little closer or farther, tilt it more or less, and see how it changes the feeling of the shot.
If you want to take your video projects to the next level, Qi Graphics is here to help with expert advice and creative support every step of the way.
What do we use to create storyboard videos? Learn more about Adobe After Effects below:
What do we use for high-quality, professional-looking videos?
To learn more about Qi Graphic Design’s video and podcast design services, click below:
Sources:
- Gruber, M. E., Galliano, M. S., Brosnihan, A. P., & Hancock, P. A. (2023). The impact of camera usage and angle on perceptions of power during videoconferencing. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 10, 100285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100285
- Kraft, R. N. (1987). The influence of camera angle on comprehension and retention of pictorial events. Memory & Cognition, 15(4), 291–307. https://doi.org/10.3758/bf03197032
- Thomas, L. E., & Pemstein, D. (2015). What you see is what you get: webcam placement influences perception and social coordination. Frontiers in Psychology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00306
0 Comments