An Introduction to Camera Angles & Shot Types

Lights, camera… angles! In the wild world of video production, how a scene is captured isn’t just important—it’s everything. Camera angles and shot types are like the secret ingredient in your favorite dish, adding flavor, drama, and depth to every frame. Whether you’re trying to evoke chills, cheers, or tears, mastering these visual tools is the key to next-level storytelling. Below, we’re breaking down the camera angles and shot types that will help you captivate your audience.

8 Common Types of Camera Angles

Think of camera angles as your emotional cheat sheet. It’s not just about where you point the camera—it’s about why. Whether it’s making your hero look larger-than-life or showing a character’s vulnerable side, the angle you choose can transform the story you’re telling. The most common camera angles we use for visual storytelling include:

1. Eye-Level Angle

The eye-level shot is the most neutral camera angle, capturing the scene from the viewer’s natural line of sight. This angle creates a sense of equality between the subject and the viewer, making it ideal for conversations or straightforward scenes.

2. High Angle

In a high-angle shot, the camera is positioned above the subject, looking down. This angle can make the subject appear small, weak, or vulnerable–which can help depict power dynamics or highlight a character’s isolation.

3. Low Angle

The opposite of the high angle, the low angle shot places the camera below the subject, looking up. This creates a sense of power, dominance, or grandeur, and is often used for heroic or larger-than-life characters.

4. Overhead (Bird’s Eye) Angle

This extreme high angle places the camera directly above the subject, often at a 90-degree angle. It’s perfect for establishing shots or showing the entire environment surrounding a subject.

5. Dutch Angle

Also known as a tilted shot, the Dutch angle involves tilting the camera sideways to create a sense of unease or disorientation–making it perfect for use in thriller or horror films.

6. Over-the-Shoulder (OTS) Shot

An over-the-shoulder shot frames the subject from behind another character, offering the audience a perspective from the character’s viewpoint. It’s commonly used in dialogue scenes, allowing the viewer to see the interaction between characters from a more intimate angle.

7. Close-Up Angle

Close-up shots focus tightly on a subject’s face or an object. They highlight emotions or details that drive the narrative. This shot draws the viewer’s attention to the subject’s expressions or to important props, making it essential for conveying emotion or key plot points.

8. Extreme Close-Up

An extreme close-up magnifies an element of the subject, such as an eye or a hand, to draw attention to minute details or amplify tension. This shot heightens the emotional stakes or emphasizes the significance of an object or action in the scene.

Common Types of Video Shots

Every great story needs a visual sidekick–and that’s where video shots come in. The shots you choose–from intimate close-ups to grand, sweeping views–shapes how your audience sees, feels, and connects with each moment. The most common types of video shots include:

1. Wide Shot (WS)

A wide shot of a backyard on a sunny day

Also known as a long shot, the wide shot shows a large portion of the environment, helping to establish the scene and give the audience context about where the action is taking place.

2. Medium Shot (MS)

A medium shot of two people smiling while holding a black box

The medium shot captures a subject from the waist up. It’s commonly used for dialogue scenes, as it allows the audience to connect with the character while still seeing some of their surroundings.

3. Close-Up (CU)

A close-up shot of a dog being held by a human

The close-up shot zooms in on a subject, typically focusing on a face or a small detail. By drawing attention to the subject’s expressions or actions, it heightens the emotional intensity of a scene.

4. Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OTS)

An over-the-shoulder shot of a red-headed woman looking surprised while talking to a brunette woman

Taken from behind one character in a scene, the over-the-shoulder shot closes in on the person or object in front of them. This shot is commonly used in conversations to establish perspective and create a sense of intimacy.

5. Point of View Shot (POV)

A point-of-view shot showing the view of a driver behind the wheel driving down a two-lane road

The point-of-view shot places the audience in the shoes of a character, showing exactly what the character is seeing. This technique is often used to create a deeper connection with the character’s experiences.

6. Two-Shot

A two-shot showing a man and a woman seated at a table indoors drinking coffee

Featuring two characters in the frame, the two-shot is often used to emphasize their relationship or interaction. It’s ideal for dialogue-heavy scenes where both characters need to be seen in relation to one another.

7. Tracking Shot

A man with a camera takes a tracking shot of a swimmer in a pool

In a tracking shot, the camera moves along with the subject, typically on a dolly or with handheld equipment. This type of shot creates a dynamic and fluid experience for the viewer.

8. Establishing Shot

An establishing shot of a beachside at sunrise

An establishing shot is typically a wide shot that appears at the beginning of a scene, setting the stage for what is to follow. It provides context by showing the location, time of day, or general atmosphere.

Professional Video Production in Charlotte, North Carolina

At Kim Brattain Media, we create powerful, story-driven videos that bring your brand to life. Want to create magic together? Contact us for a complimentary consultation.