Low Angle Shot: Creative Examples of Camera Movements & Angles

A low angle shot is just one of the many camera angles possible and can even be combined for additional effect. Here's a rundown of every camera angle, how they work, and whey they might work best in your next shot list.

low angle shot effect

Low angles can convey power

Low angle shots are often used to convey power, and depending on your subject, that power can be a good thing or a bad thing. 

Take this low angle shot of the Biker from Raising Arizona. He's hellbent on catching his man, and will stop at nothing to bring the Arizona baby back. 

Here’s another use of a low angle shot from the Wachowski’s Matrix series.

We can tell that these Agents are in control here. We haven’t met them yet, but the low angle shot shows that they are in charge.

There is also a practical reason to shoot this low angle, because the agents expect to find Neo sitting there during his work day. 

Great directors combine reasons for their decisions.

When you’re shot listing the low angle shot you have to keep all this in mind.

Low angle shot example

Low angle can convey vulnerability

Low angles have this weird ability to signal vulnerability, which seems a bit contradictory since we know that low angles can convey power.

Part of this is simply that we see the character from an unusual angle, and within the context of the scene we as a viewer become irked by the framing.

Another reason is because we are more confined, especially when indoors. 

This shot above is both a low angle and a Dutch angle, and while the Dutch angle signals to use that something is wrong, the low angle give us a claustrophobic feeling and signals that Ethan is trapped, and vulnerable.

LOW ANGLES INCREASE HEIGHT

Low angles increased perceived height

As a kid, did you ever take a photo of your friends or sibling jumping they're bike off a ramp, hoping to catch a moment of some sweet air?

Did you get down low to make that air seem even sweeter?

It is a basic perception trick, but it is one that is used in filmmaking a lot.

You can combine this with miniatures to create the feeling that an entire, massive world exists in front of the camera.

If you have any kind of moment that could benefit from some extra height, but you don't have the means to get way, way up there...

Consider going as low as you can go to increased the perceived height.

SHOT LIST YOUR LOW ANGLES

Plan your low angle shots better

So, you need to use the low angle shot to set up the stakes in your own film? What do you do now? You need to put it in a shot list so your DP can anticipate and prep. Low angle shots take lots of planning.

Are you combining your low angle with a camera move, or will it be static?

You can track with someone on a dolly, or let a steadicam give you more maneuverability - all of this will give your low angle some complexity. 

You want to capture all these crucial details in your shot list. With StudioBinder, these details are already listed as options, so you only need to check them. This allows you to create creative combinations that make your movie come to life.