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Low Angle Shot Definition Definition
What is a low angle shot?
A low angle shot is a camera angle where the camera is positioned below the subject, looking up. This perspective often makes the subject appear larger, more powerful, or intimidating. A low angle shot can be just slightly below a subject, or it can be shooting nearly directly upward at them.
For more this approach, you can read our dissection of the low angle shot, which includes examples and analysis.
Before exploring the ins and outs of low angle shots and how they shape a scene, it’s helpful to see them in action. Check out this curated gallery of low angle shots to get a feel for their visual impact and the different ways filmmakers use them to tell a story.
Meanings & Purpose
Low angle shot examples
The context of the scene has a direct impact on the meaning of the low angle shot. In some scenarios, it could empower a character. In others, it could do the opposite. There are many ways to use the low angle shot toward different ends. Here are some low angle shot examples that capture the range of its functionality.
Emphasizes dominance
Highlights size
Shows a character's high point
Distorts perspective
Usages
What does a low angle do?
Whenever a low angle is used — whether it be in film, photography, music videos or commercials — it taps into a visual language that often elevates the subject both literally and figuratively. While it frequently conveys power and confidence, it can also evoke awe or tension, depending on context. Below are several examples of low angle shots and the distinct moods or meanings they help create.
Power and Dominance
Character A looms over Character B, exuding control. A low angle shot emphasizes their authority, making them appear larger and imposing in the frame.
Heroism
When a character takes decisive action or is viewed with admiration, a low angle can elevate their presence, highlighting their strength and courage.
Fear or vulnerability
A low angle can place us in a position of helplessness, mirroring the character’s fear as they confront something overwhelming.
Childlike wonder
If Character A gazes up in awe at something magnificent, the low angle can match their eyeline and capture their sense of smallness in the world.
Qualities
Low angle vs high angle shot
High and low angle shots are often confused, mainly because the terms can feel a bit backward. A high angle shot looks down, while a low angle shot looks up. The easiest way to tell them apart is by thinking about the camera’s position relative to the subject.
In a high angle shot, the camera is placed above the subject, looking downward. This often makes the subject seem smaller or less powerful. In a low angle shot, the camera is below the subject, looking up. It all comes down to where the camera is placed.
Case Study
Shot listing a low angle
Let’s look at the low angle in action. How can it be used in the context of a scene? To illustrate our point, let’s examine this scene from Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Notice how he uses a low angle to imbue his characters with power.
Select the shot list below to get a look at how the scene can be broken down in full. What is the purpose of the low angle shot in this scene?
There is no single way to use a low angle shot. Far from it.
Let's explore the many ways a low angle can be used to enhance storytelling through direction and visual style.
Unique Pairings
How should you pair a low angle shot with other camera techniques?
How to combine a low angle shot
There are countless camera techniques, and they don’t have to be used in isolation. On their own, they can tell a story; but when paired together, they become even more expressive. Let’s take a look at how a low angle shot transforms when combined with other techniques:
- Push: Pushing in on a subject from a low angle can heighten intensity or draw us closer to a moment of realization or power.
- Pedestal Down: As the camera moves downward, the low angle becomes steeper, making the subject feel even more dominant.
- Dutch Angle: Adding a tilt to a low angle creates visual disorientation, often signaling chaos or instability.
- Zoom: Zooming in while maintaining a low angle can intensify the feeling of power or threat.
- Dolly: Moving the camera physically closer or away on a dolly while holding a low angle can emphasize the subject’s scale in relation to their environment, enhancing dramatic impact.
- Tilt: Tilting the camera upward even more from a low angle exaggerates the subject’s height and presence. Alternatively, a tilt down can even out the shot and diminish the low angle’s effect.
- Tracking: Following a subject with a low angle shot adds dynamic movement and keeps their commanding presence front and center.
- Wide: A wide low angle shot shows the subject’s environment from below, emphasizing their place within a larger setting.
- Close up: A close-up from a low angle focuses on facial expressions or details, making the subject’s emotions feel even more intense and powerful.
Frequently asked questions about the low angle shot
Low angle shots are used to portray characters as powerful or imposing. They can also highlight a subject’s importance or create a feeling of awe.
Low angle shots can suggest:
- Strength and dominance
- Confidence
- Intimidation
- Reverence toward the subject
A low angle shot places the camera below the subject so that it is tilted upward.
A low angle shot can make viewers feel small or submissive in relation to the subject, heightening tension, intimidation, or even admiration– it all depends on the scene.
