Camera Angles: A Guide to Mastering the Art of Perspective

Christopher Lin

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In photography, the angle of the camera can have a huge effect on the final image by altering the mood, perspective, and visual impact of a photograph. A skilled photographer knows how to utilize camera angles to create captivating and engaging images that tell a story or convey a particular emotion. In this guide, we will explore the importance of camera angles and provide an overview of the various angles and techniques that photographers can use to create dynamic and visually stunning images in any genre of photography.

Understanding Camera Angles and Perspective

Camera angles refer to the position of the camera in relation to the subject of the photo. The position of the camera can impact the perspective and mood of the photo, emphasize or de-emphasize features and objects, and even affect the overall beauty and aesthetics of the subjects.  Let’s review how the camera angle impacts photos for different genres of photography.

Camera Angles in Portrait Photography

When taking a portrait, the angle of the camera can affect the perceived size and shape of the subject’s face and body. A common preferred camera angle for portrait and wedding photography is from slightly above eye level.  This angle can help to elongate the neck and create a more flattering jawline.  This helps prevent double chins and makes the eyes look larger and fully open. Shooting from a higher angle also places the face closest to the camera, making the body seem smaller relative to the face, which can be a desired look for some.  However, shooting from too high of an angle can cause unflattering distortions in the subject’s face and look unnatural.

High Camera Angle Example

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Direct or Lower Angle Example

Shooting from eye level or slightly below eye level can also be interesting and impactful. The lower camera angle can look more dramatic and provide a unique perspective. However, be sure to only photograph from a lower angle from a further distance to avoid “shooting up” at the subject. Shooting at a close angle from below can emphasize the chin for an unflattering look.

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How Camera Angles Affect Strength and Dominance

Another consideration to factor in your portraits is how the camera angle affects the mood, feel and story of the image. Shooting from a low angle, with the camera tilted upwards towards the subject, can create the impression of strength and dominance. This is because it can make the subject appear taller and more imposing over the frame.

The lower angle gives the model more strength and dominance over the image

Conversely, shooting from a high angle, with the camera tilted downwards towards the subject, can make the subject appear smaller and more vulnerable. For more information, see our article on head angles.

Camera Angles in Photojournalism and Storytelling

A photographer’s choice of angle can affect the mood, tone, and overall message in photojournalism and storytelling. For example, a low angle shot of a protest march can convey a sense of power and strength, while a high angle shot can emphasize the size of the crowd.

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Low camera angle example – Photo by Angle Sushil via Unsplash
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high camera angle example – Photo by Alex Radelich via Unsplash

In photojournalism, the angle can also help to tell the story by highlighting important details or conveying a sense of urgency or emotion. The right angle can also help to add depth and interest to the composition, drawing the viewer’s eye and creating a sense of narrative.

Lower Camera Angle Example for Wedding Photojournalism

Camera Angles in Kids Photography

When photographing children, the action and storytelling can take priority over capturing flattering, posed portraits.  Of course, there’s a time and place for both, but with fun, lifestyle kids photography, consider getting in close at a low angle to capture more dynamic, action, in-the-moment photos.  Here is an example:

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Low Camera Angle in Kids Photography

How Camera Angles Affect architectural photography

Camera angles are an essential element of architectural and real estate photography, as they can significantly impact how a building or structure is perceived. Shooting from a low angle can make the building appear larger and more imposing, emphasizing its height and grandeur.

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low camera angle in architectural photography example

Conversely, shooting from a high angle can provide a broader view of the structure, showing its context within its surroundings, and emphasizing its shape and form. The angle of the camera can also help to create symmetry and balance in the composition, drawing the viewer’s eye and highlighting key features of the building.

The use of perspective correction techniques such as tilt-shift lenses can help to correct any distortions caused by converging lines, resulting in a more accurate representation of the building’s geometry. Overall, the angle of the camera is a critical aspect of architectural photography, as it can greatly influence the way a building or structure is perceived and represented in a photograph.

How Camera Angles Affect Landscape Photography

In landscape photography, shooting from a low angle can emphasize the foreground and create a sense of depth and dimensionality, while shooting from a higher angle can provide a broader view of the landscape and emphasize the overall scale and majesty of the scene.

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low camera angle landscape photography | Photo by Matthew Saville
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high camera angle landscape photography | Photo by Matthew Saville

Lens Considerations for Camera Angles

Technical considerations such as focal length and lens choice can significantly impact camera angles and perspective.

Wide Angle vs Telephoto – Using a wide-angle lens can enhance the sense of depth and add visual interest to a photo, while using a telephoto lens can compress the scene and isolate the subject from the background. In addition, a wide angle lens will exaggerate the size of objects closer to the camera in relation to the objects in the background, while a telephoto lens will have the opposite effect.

How to Experiment with Camera Angles

Experimenting with different camera angles is essential for mastering the art of perspective. By exploring and experimenting with different angles and techniques, photographers can create truly unique and impactful compositions.  After you’ve taken a photo, consider taking the same photo from a lower angle and then another photo from a higher angle.  You then have multiple options to choose from, and you’ll often be surprised at how the initial idea was improved with small shift in the camera angles.

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