How can you use storyboarding to experiment with camera angles?

1 Why camera angles matter

Camera angles are not just a technical detail, but a creative tool that can enhance your storytelling. They can help you create contrast, tension, emotion, and interest in your scenes, and show the relationship between the characters and the environment. For example, a low-angle shot can make a character look powerful, dominant, or threatening, while a high-angle shot can make them look vulnerable, submissive, or scared. A close-up shot can show the details of a character's expression, while a wide shot can show the context and scale of a scene. A tilted shot can create a sense of instability, chaos, or confusion, while a level shot can create a sense of stability, order, or clarity.

4 Tips and best practices for camera angles

Using camera angles effectively in your storyboarding is key to creating interesting and diverse scenes. Consider the purpose and goal of each scene, as well as the genre and tone of your project. The rule of thirds can be used to compose shots and balance elements, dividing the frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place the main subject or focal point along or near the lines or intersections. The 180-degree rule can help maintain the spatial relationship and orientation of characters and objects, establishing an imaginary line between two points of interest and limiting camera movement to one side of the line. Camera movement can add motion and energy to your scenes, such as panning, tilting, zooming, tracking, or dolly shots. However, be careful not to make it too fast or shaky as it can cause motion sickness or distraction for the audience.

5 Examples of camera angles

Illustrating how camera angles can affect your storyboarding, here are some examples of common camera angles and the effects they may have. A bird's eye view shot from above gives the scene a sense of overview, detachment, or omniscience, while also displaying its layout and scope. A worm's eye view shot from below can create feelings of vulnerability, inferiority, or awe, and show the size and power of the scene. An eye level shot from the same height as a character's eyes can create a sense of realism, neutrality, or empathy and show their perspective and expression. An over the shoulder shot from behind one character's shoulder looking at another character or object can create a sense of intimacy, involvement, or conversation and show the relationship between them. Lastly, a point of view shot from the character's point of view shows what they see and can evoke a sense of immersion, identification, or emotion while displaying their thoughts and feelings.