Film Making Tips 101: Camera Angles / Framing

When filming a person or an object, it is possible just to tackle it head on. But, in doing so, you lack adding the depth that a slight or significant angle can provide. Seeing more than one side of a subject is a lot more interesting than just viewing it flat and simply.

Camera Level / Height

Placing the camera at an equal level, above, or below the subject can subconsciously create different understandings of what’s being seen. If the camera is facing the subject head on, it’s generally understood that what we’re seeing is of “equal” value to whatever else is going on.

If the camera is placed above the subject, looking down. Firstly we can get given the indication that another person, or subject is larger than it and secondly we can get the message that the subject being seen from above is less significant or inferior.

But, placed below a subject looking up, we’re presented with the notion that the subject is more important or larger, or more significant. It can also be seen as the subject being in more of a position of power.

These all vary within certain degrees, but by and large the messages remain similar.

Frames inside Frames

Often within a shot there’s some sort of framing, be it surrounding buildings which cause “leading lines” or an actual physical frame like an archway or window. Choosing carefully how to use these techniques can help enhance frames inside of your shot, making the picture more interesting.

There are also methods of blocking unwanted images or signs. The term “dingle” refers to this, for example filming inside of an underpass at an angle so as to capture the subject, but hide the logo of a company you haven’t cleared for usage!

Leading Lines

When you look at an image, if there are lines (be they wavy or straight), your eyes are drawn to what they lead up to. Placing the subject where you wish them to be seen is very important and in the case of leading lines, where they meet and lead up to will direct your audience’s attention.