A low angle shot is filmed from below a subject and pointing up towards them.

What Is a Low Angle Shot?

A low angle shot is classed as anything below the eye level of the subject and angled upwards.

A low angle photo of a pink building against a blue sky

It’s also one of the few shots that can fit an entire building in the frame.

It can be subtle or extreme, sometimes with the camera placed as low as the ground.

you’ve got the option to also use a small desktop tripod for added stability.

Low angle shot of two people with the sky in the background.

Some of the best lenses to use are wide-angle lenses that are less than 50mm.

This gives you the best chance of capturing enough background around the subject.

Fisheye lenses can also be a fun option, and GoPro camerasplus smartphones in landscape modewill do the trick.

Why Use the Low Angle Shot?

The low angle shot is bold and striking, especially when taken to the extreme.

it’s possible for you to make subjects appear taller, bigger, and more striking.

One place you could find this angle being used all the time is in TikTok dance videos.

It makes the legs of the dancer appear longer and more elegant, and exaggerates the movements.

Seeing a person from a low angle like this makes them seem dominant and sometimes even scary.

In this way, it’s easy for the audience to see who has the power.

Keep in mind that this works for both “good” and “bad” characters.

When you use this shot on skyscrapers, it makes them loom even grander above us.

It’s one of the most practical angles to fit buildings and roads in a shot.