Vertical camera angles and vertical camera movements refer to the orientation and motion of the camera in relation to the subject being filmed.
These techniques play a crucial role in visual storytelling, as they can convey various emotions, perspectives and meanings to the audience.
Vertical camera techniques can reinforce the themes and atmosphere of a film. For example, a film with themes of oppression and submission may frequently use high angle shots to emphasize the characters’ powerlessness.
Conversely, a film celebrating heroism and triumph may incorporate low angle shots to amplify the heroic qualities of the protagonist. These visual cues can underscore the relationship between characters and influence how the audience perceives their interactions.
Vertical camera movements can effectively establish the scale of a scene or setting.
For instance, a vertical crane shot capturing a cityscape or a mountain range can evoke a sense of wonder and scale and in a action-packed scene, vertical camera movements, such as crane shot can elevate the excitement of the audience.
The sweeping movements can make the action feel more immersive, allowing the viewers to feel as if they are part of the action.
Vertical camera techniques can also be used symbolically to convey deeper meanings. For instance, a character climbing a ladder may represent their ambition to reach new heights metaphorically.
Vertical Camera Angles
Vertical camera angles refer to the positioning of the camera in relation to the subject, where the lens is tilted upward or downward.
These angles have a profound impact on the audience’s perspective and emotions, influencing how they perceive the characters and scenes within a film.
There are typically two main types of vertical camera angles:
1 High Angle shot
A camera angle achieved by positioning the camera above the subject, looking down on them.
This perspective creates the impression of looking at the scene from a higher vantage point, as if observing the subject from the viewpoint of a bird flying overhead.
Generally, a film with themes of oppression and submission may frequently use high angle shots to emphasize the characters’ powerlessness.
Filmmakers often employ high angle shots when portraying a character in a moment of weakness, fear or during scenes where they are under threat. Additionally, high angle shots can be used to establish the dominance of a character or a powerful force over others and make the subject appear smaller, weaker or less significant.
Key characteristics of a high angle shot include:
- Subject Depiction: The subject or scene is usually shown from above, making it appear smaller, less dominant or more vulnerable.
- Spatial Awareness: High angle shots offer a clear view of the surrounding area and can help establish a sense of space or layout.
- Empowerment: When used with human subjects, a high angle shot can evoke a feeling of vulnerability, inferiority or submission.
- Symbolism: The use of high angle shots can symbolize surveillance, control or the presence of a higher power.
Additionally, in certain scenes, a high angle shot may be employed to intensify suspense, depict a character’s power over others, or create a sense of distance between characters or objects.
2 Low Angle shot
In a Low angle shot, the camera is positioned below the subject, looking up at it. This angle can make the subject appear larger, more powerful or intimidating.
Captured from below the subject, looking upward, the low angle serves to visually exaggerate the subject’s size and power
It is often used to create a sense of authority or dominance and is common in heroic or villainous shots. Low angle shots can evoke a sense of awe, admiration, or fear in the audience, making them feel small and insignificant compared to the subject.
These shots can also be employed to highlight the grandeur of architectural structures, scenic landscapes, or other imposing elements in the frame.
In filmmaking, low angle shots are used for various purposes, including:
- Empowering characters: To make a character look heroic, dominant, or authoritative, filmmakers often use low angle shots.
- Dramatic effect: When the story requires a scene to be more intense or emotionally charged, a low angle shot can add emphasis to the moment.
- Showing grandeur: In scenes with towering buildings, mountains, or impressive architecture, a low angle shot can emphasize the magnitude of the subject.
- Conveying vulnerability: When a character is in a vulnerable or weak state, a low angle shot can make them appear small and helpless.
- Intimidation: In confrontational or antagonistic situations, a low angle shot can make the opposing character appear menacing.
Overall, low angle shots are a valuable tool in visual storytelling, as they can evoke specific emotions and perceptions in the audience, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Understanding the psychological and emotional effects of high and low angle shots is essential for filmmakers to make informed creative decisions. By utilizing these angles thoughtfully, directors can amplify the emotional resonance of their stories and communicate messages more powerfully.
Vertical Camera Movements
Camera movements are the various ways the camera physically moves during filming.
To know how movements are used in filmmaking, check this link:
Vertical camera movements involve physically moving the camera up or down while shooting along the vertical axis and are executed using various tools such as cranes, dollies and drones.
Among all the camera movements, vertical camera movements are particularly fascinating as they add depth and dynamism to the shots and significantly impact the emotional engagement of the audience.
Some common vertical camera movements include:
Tilt shot
The Tilt Shot is a vertical camera movement that involves angling the camera up or down on its vertical axis while keeping the horizontal axis constant.
Tilt shot can be used to reveal something from the ground up, or from the sky down previously unseen in the frame, introduce a new character or transition between different elements in the scene.
Tilt-Up: In a tilt-up shot, the camera starts at a lower position and moves upward, revealing what is above the initial frame. This movement is often used to create a sense of discovery, or to reveal tall structures, characters’ reactions to something above them, or the expansive nature of a scene.
Tilt-Down: Conversely, in a tilt-down shot, the camera starts at a higher position and moves downward, revealing what is below the initial frame. Tilt-down shots are commonly employed to unveil objects, subjects on the ground or emphasize a character’s reaction to something below them.
Doing these movements allows the cinematographer to capture subjects from a low or high perspective, adding drama, tension and perspective to the scene.
The tilt shot has been an integral part of filmmaking since the early days of cinema.
In modern films, filmmakers use a tilt shot for various creative purposes such as in a dramatic scene, a downward tilt can be used to reveal something shocking or unsettling to the characters and the audience.
To execute a tilt shot effectively, cinematographers use various tools such as tripods, monopods, stabilizers, gimbals or even handheld in some cases, to ensure smooth and controlled camera movements.
Additionally, they often rely on marks or focus points to maintain the frame’s composition and ensure the intended subject remains in focus during the tilt.
Proper use of tilt shots can add depth and emotion to a scene, contributing to the overall visual storytelling and enhancing the audience’s engagement with the narrative.
Pedestal shot
A pedestal shot, also known as a vertical tracking shot or pedestal movement, is a type of camera movement in cinematography where the camera is placed on a pedestal or raised platform, and the entire camera unit moves up or down while maintaining its horizontal orientation.
Pedestals offer flexibility and enable very smooth camera movements in any direction, including left, right, up, and down. Unlike standard tripods, which only allow for rotation and tilting, pedestals provide more versatility in camera positioning.
It is essential to note that a pedestal move is distinct from a camera tilt. This movement is used to change the camera’s vertical perspective without tilting or panning the camera. In a camera tilt, the camera remains in the same position but changes the angle of view by tilting up or down. Conversely, in a pedestal move, the entire camera physically shifts its position, resulting in a vertical movement.
The purpose of this movement is to change the framing or height of the shot, allowing the cinematographer to achieve specific visual effects or emphasize particular elements within the frame.
Here’s how the pedestal shot affects the visual storytelling:
- Change in Height: By moving the camera up or down, the pedestal shot can alter the height of the camera relative to the subject. This can create various effects, such as making characters appear taller or shorter, altering their dominance or vulnerability, or providing different viewpoints of the scene.
- Revealing or Concealing Information: The pedestal shot can be used to reveal or conceal elements within the frame. For example, the camera might pedestal up to show something previously hidden behind an object or pedestal down to obscure something from the audience’s view.
- Dynamic Movement: Pedestal shots can add a sense of dynamism to a scene, especially when combined with other camera movements like tracking or dolly shots. It can help create a smooth, flowing visual experience.
- Dramatic Emphasis: The movement itself can be used dramatically to enhance certain moments or actions in the scene. For instance, a sudden upward pedestal shot might be employed to emphasize a character’s surprise or awe.
Pedestal shots are commonly used in filmmaking and are executed using specialized equipment like a camera pedestal or a jib. They require careful planning and coordination between the camera operator and the director to achieve the desired effect seamlessly. When used effectively, pedestal shots can enrich the storytelling and add depth to the visual language of a film or video project.
Crane shot
Crane shots are achieved using a camera mounted on a crane or a boom arm that can elevate or lower the camera smoothly. These shots are often used to provide sweeping views of landscapes, cities or large crowds, creating a sense of grandeur and spectacle.
The crane operator controls the movement of the camera, offering a wide range of vertical perspectives.
Filmmakers often use this shot to introduce a new location, reveal secrets hidden from the characters’ perspectives, or establish the overall ambiance of a film.
This technique is ideal for capturing high angle or low angle shots with fluidity and precision, especially in large-scale productions.
Applications of Crane Shot in Modern Filmmaking:
They are also used to create seamless transitions between scenes, allowing the camera to travel from one location to another. Moreover, crane shots can convey a sense of freedom and grandeur, making them ideal for showcasing epic moments in action, adventure and fantasy films.
Here’s how a crane shot works:
- Crane Setup: A crane with a large mechanical arm with a camera mount at one end and a counterweight at the other end to maintain balance. It can be mounted on various types of supports, such as tripods or wheeled dollies.
- Camera Movement: The crane operator or camera operator controls the camera’s movement using various controls, typically operating from a separate platform or remote control system. The operator can raise or lower the camera vertically, as well as pan or tilt the camera horizontally.
- Vertical Movement: The most distinctive feature of a crane shot is its ability to move the camera vertically. It can lift the camera from ground level to considerable heights, providing unique perspectives from high above the scene.
- Horizontal Movement: While the primary focus of a crane shot is its vertical movement, some cranes also allow for horizontal movement. This means the camera can sweep across a scene or track a subject horizontally while maintaining its elevation.
- Applications: Crane shots are commonly used in films, TV shows, and commercials to create impressive and immersive visuals. They are often employed to capture dramatic establishing shots, reveal landscapes, follow characters through intricate sets or showcase action sequences from an elevated perspective.
- Aesthetic Impact: Crane shots add a cinematic flair and visual spectacle to a production. They evoke a sense of freedom and movement, drawing the audience into the scene and making them feel like they are part of the action.
Crane shots require skilled coordination between the camera operator and the crane operator, as they can be challenging to execute smoothly.
However, it’s essential to use crane shots judiciously and with purpose. Overusing them can distract the audience from the narrative and diminish their impact.
In recent years, the increasing availability and affordability of drones equipped with cameras have also provided filmmakers with an alternative to traditional crane shots, allowing them to achieve similar aerial perspectives at a lower cost and with greater maneuverability in certain locations.
Conclusion
To conclude, Vertical camera angles and movements are useful tools that allow filmmakers to convey emotion, perspective and drama effectively. By understanding the psychological impact of high angle, low angle shots and the dynamism brought by tilt, pedestal and crane shots, directors can elevate their storytelling and immerse audiences in their narrative.
The true artistry lies in combining vertical camera angles and movements to create nuanced and evocative shots. Selecting the appropriate camera, lenses and accessories is crucial for achieving the desired visual impact.
With careful planning, creativity, and mastery of these techniques, filmmakers can take their craft to new heights, creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Hope you found the right word of each vertical movements shot to call in your work. If there’s anything more to it, let me know in the comments.