How to Make Your Subject Shine?

When you’re taking photos or shooting videos, the position of your camera can completely change how the subject looks and feels. The right angle can make your subject look powerful, vulnerable, or relatable. By learning a few key techniques, you can transform ordinary shots into something extraordinary.

Here are three essential camera positions to master:

1. Eye-Level Shots:An eye-level shot means the camera is placed at the same height as the subject’s eyes. This perspective feels natural and familiar, like looking at someone face-to-face.

           When to Use It

• Portraits: To make people look natural and approachable.
• Interviews: Helps viewers connect with the subject.
• Everyday Scenes: Feels casual and real.

              Pluses

• 📸 Relatable and Neutral: Makes the viewer feel like they’re in the same space as the subject.
• 📸 No Distortion: Shapes and sizes are accurate, just as the human eye would see them.
• 📸 Simple to Achieve: No need for fancy setups or equipment.

             Minuses

• 📉 Lacks Drama: It might feel too “safe” if you’re going for a more artistic vibe.
• 📉 Limited Storytelling Power: Doesn’t convey power or vulnerability.
• 📉 Can Be Predictable: Everyone is used to this angle, so it might not stand out.

2. Low-Angle Shots:This is where the camera is placed below the subject, pointing upward. Think of how superheroes are often filmed in movies — they look bigger, stronger, and more important.

           When to Use It

• To Show Power: Want to make someone look like a boss? Use this angle.
• Dramatic Action Scenes: Adds intensity and movement.
• Architectural Shots: Skyscrapers and large objects look more massive and impressive.

               Pluses

• 💪 Makes Subject Look Powerful: Ideal for heroes, leaders, or anyone you want to highlight.
• 💪 Adds Intensity: Creates drama and action, perfect for sports or action scenes.
• 💪 Draws the Viewer In: The angle feels larger-than-life, grabbing attention.

               Minuses

• 📉 Can Distort Faces: If used for portraits, it may make the subject’s chin look large.
• 📉 Not Always Flattering: People generally don’t like how they look from this angle.
• 📉 Can Feel Too Intense: If you’re going for a soft, friendly vibe, this may be too much.

           Pro Tip: Avoid using this angle when photographing people unless you want them to look dominant or fierce​

3. High-Angle Shots:This is where the camera is positioned above the subject, pointing downward. It often makes the subject look smaller, gentler, or more vulnerable.

            When to Use It

• To Make Subjects Look Small or Childlike: Adds innocence or softness to a person or scene.
• Showcase Big Crowds or Spaces: Great for showing scenes from a “bird’s-eye view.”
• Establish Setting: Perfect for a wide shot that introduces a scene.

                Pluses

• 🕊️ Conveys Vulnerability: Makes people seem smaller or more childlike.
• 🕊️ Great for Wide Shots: Captures the entire scene from a “big picture” perspective.
• 🕊️ Unique Look: Since most shots are at eye level, this one feels different.

              Minuses

• 📉 Can Make Subjects Look Weak: Not ideal if you want your subject to seem strong or powerful.
• 📉 Background May Overpower Subject: If there’s too much going on in the background, it can be distracting.
• 📉 Requires a High Position: You may need to stand on something or use a drone for the shot​

My Advice to Help Others

When I first started learning about camera angles, I stuck to eye-level shots. They were safe and easy, but they didn’t always tell the full story. Over time, I discovered that just changing the angle could change the entire message of a photo. For anyone out there wanting to level up their photography, I recommend practicing all three camera positions. Take a photo of the same subject at eye level, from below, and from above. Compare them and notice the difference. It’s an easy way to master this skill.