Videographer’s Perspective on Angles & Perspectives

Purpose Comes First

• Ask: What story am I telling? What emotion should the viewer feel?

• The angle and perspective are chosen to serve the story or message.

Common Camera Angles (and their meanings)

Angle	Description	Effect/Emotion
Eye Level	Neutral, natural shot	Makes viewer feel like they’re in the scene
High Angle	Camera looks down on subject	Makes subject look weak, vulnerable, or small
Low Angle	Camera looks up at subject	Makes subject look powerful, dominant
Over-the-Shoulder	Behind a person, focusing on what they see	Common in dialogue; creates connection
Dutch Angle	Tilted shot	Creates tension, unease, or surreal mood
Bird’s Eye View	Directly overhead	Makes subject look small or show layout/geometry
Worm’s Eye View	From ground looking up	Exaggerates height, dramatic effect

Perspectives in Videography

1. First-Person POV

• Puts audience in the subject’s shoes.

• Often used for immersive storytelling, like GoPro or action shots.

2. Third-Person Perspective

• Viewer is an observer.

• Most narrative work uses this for objectivity and storytelling control.

3. Objective vs. Subjective

• Objective: Camera is a fly on the wall (neutral).

• Subjective: Camera reacts or mimics a character’s feelings or view.

Practical Tips from a Videographer’s Mindset

• Always scout the location — look for natural lines, light, depth.

• Move the camera with intention — every pan, tilt, or dolly must enhance the story.

• Experiment with framing — foreground objects can add depth and interest.

• Use angles to hide or reveal information — control what the viewer knows and when.

• Shoot coverage — various angles give more editing flexibility.

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