Camera Angles and Movements

Angles

High Angle

This angle is shot from above the subject, looking down on them. It makes the subject seem weak, child like or submissive and can be used as a POV from an adult looking at a child.

Canted Angle

Also referred to a Dutch tilt, here the camera leans sideways in order to change the horizontal and vertical lines into diagonals to make a more dynamic composition.

Low Angle

Low angles are captured from a place below the subject's eyes and makes them look dominant, aggressive or ominous. It may also be used to show a child's point of view.

Movement

Pan

This is moving the camera from one side to another i.e. left to right.

In this clip, at around 1:30, there are two pans- one following the cars and the second following the writing saying 'the odds are never in our favour.'

Tilt

Moving the camera up and down, but keeping the horizontal axis constant.

Track

This is like the dolly shot, but often defined more specifically as movement which stays a constant distance from the action, especially side-to-side movement.

Dolly (equipment)

The camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very smooth movement. 

Here, at the beginning of the scene, it is clear that the camera is mounted on a dolly to give the smooth swooping effect around the three men at the table.

Crane

The camera is mounted on a crane allowing the camera to move very high and then swoop back down to the ground. Sometimes the crane is mounted on a dolly so the camera can move along the ground and at the same time move up into the air. Crane shots are often difficult to pull off but can be highly effective establishing shots.

Steadicam

This is a lightweight mounting for a film camera which keeps it steady for handheld or moving.

Handheld

Shooting a scene without the use of an artificial mechanism to support the camera, using a hand or harness instead.

Zoom

This refers to the technique of changing the focal length of a zoom lens during a shot.

Reverse Zoom

A single shot which moves away from the subject.