Eye level shots are exactly what you might guess: they’re shots where the camera is around the level of human eyes. This means around five to six feet above the ground, on average, since that’s the standard range of human height.
What is an eye level shot in photography?
Eye Level Shot Our first camera angle is the eye level shot, and this is when your subject is at eye-level. An eye level shot can result in a neutral perspective (not superior or inferior). This mimics how we see people in real life — our eye line connecting with theirs, and it can break down boundaries.
What is an eye level camera angle?
An eye level camera angle does not require the viewer to see the eyes of the actor, nor does the actor need to look directly into the camera for a shot to be considered eye level. Eye level shots simulate standard human vision and thus present visual information through a familiar viewpoint. The difference between an eye level ...
What does eye level mean in film production?
Eye level is somewhat self-descriptive, but there is still some nuance to what eye level means, and how it is actually used in film production. So let’s break it down. What is an eye level shot? An eye level shot refers to when the level of your camera is placed at the same height as the eyes of the characters in your frame.
Why do directors use eye level shots in movies?
Often, directors will use shoulder or hip level angles to slightly empower characters, so an eye level shot is less common than you may think. In this scene, the filmmakers use a ton of different camera levels and compositions to generate emotions within the viewer.
What is eye level shot?
An eye level shot refers to when the level of your camera is placed at the same height as the eyes of the characters in your frame. An eye level camera angle does not require the viewer to see the eyes of the actor, nor does the actor need to look directly into the camera for a shot to be considered eye level.
What happens when you use eye level shots?
When you use an eye level shot, you can contrast it with other angles to gain much more of an impact. It doesn’t have to be a battle scene either.
What angle do you use in Game of Thrones?
Ramsey - Game of Thrones. The filmmakers use a slight dutch angle paired with a low angle. This cinematic language empowers, but also informs us that this is a villain. When you create your shot list, you should indicate that you want your shots to be set at eye level.
How to tell the difference between shoulder level and eye level?
The difference between an eye level and shoulder level shot is determined by the middle portion of the frame because the position of the lens iris determines the level of your shot more accurately than the base of your camera body. You may have the base of your camera in line with an actor’s shoulder, but the iris of your camera will be level ...
Why should you avoid regular shot in American Psycho?
You should always avoid building a "regular shot" because regular filmmaking is boring.
Is it intentional to use eye level?
It seems simple enough, but there are many ways to present a character like this in these introductory moments, so the decision to use eye level is something very much intentional.
Explaining eye level shots: what are they?
An eye level shot is among the most important and basic types of shots, and is common in all genres for this reason. Interestingly, eye level shots are especially common in romantic comedies. This may make more sense as you continue to read about what eye level shots are used for.
Book the perfect filming location
Peerspace makes it easy to book incredible production spaces. Enjoy the largest location library and hassle-free hourly bookings today.
Neutrality of eye level shots
In many cases, the emotional effect of eye level shots is pretty minimal–overall, eye level shots have a neutral effect. This is because we ourselves typically view the world from eye level, so the feeling is overall familiar, and seeing the subjects of a film this way feels quite natural.
Emotional effects of eye level shots
Shooting a character from above can often make them seem weak and vulnerable. And shooting a character from below can make them seem powerful, invulnerable, heroic, and even scary, depending on the context (plot, accompanying soundtrack, and so forth).
Book the perfect filming location
Peerspace makes it easy to book incredible production spaces. Enjoy the largest location library and hassle-free hourly bookings today.
How about finding a space to film?
The various types of shots are a pretty technical and niche aspect of filmmaking. So if you’re researching eye level shots and reading this article, it’s very likely that you’re someone who’s interested in making a film of your own.
Ready to shoot your film?
Having finished reading this article, you’re almost certain to have a more in-depth understanding of eye level shots, both in terms of what they actually are as well as what they’re used for and when it makes sense to use them.
What is a POV shot in film?
A point of view shot (also known as POV shot, first-person shot or a subjective camera) is a short film scene that shows what a character (the subject) is looking at (represented through the camera). The technique of POV is one of the foundations of film editing.
What is the average eye level?
Well, if the average height of a man in the United States is 5 feet 9 inches, and the average height of a woman is 5 feet 4 inches, than average eye level is about 5 feet. The focal point of the art, the part that the viewer's eye will discover first, should be about 5 feet above the floor.
What is a high level shot?
A high-angle shot is a cinematic technique where the camera looks down on the subject from a high angle and the point of focus often gets "swallowed up". In film, they can make the scene more dramatic. If there is a person at high elevation who is talking to someone below them, this shot is often used.
What is a ground level shot?
A ground level shot is when your camera's height is on ground level with your subject. This camera angle is used a lot to feature a character walking without revealing their face, but it can help to make the viewer more active and use the actor's performance to build an idea.
What is cutting to continuity?
Continuity cutting is one of the most commonly used methods in filmmaking and editing. It's associated with maintaining the flow of a scene or action sequence to preserve the illusion of reality on screen. Missing a small part of this technique can create lapses on a sequence of shots and angles, as well as frame size.
What is called eye level?
An Eye level line is also called as the horizon line. It is defined as the actual height which a viewer's eye can see while looking at a scene or an object. In art and paintings, eye level lines help in understanding the axis surrounding which a perspective drawing is usually constructed.
What is a noddy shot?
Noddy headshots or noddies are a type of camera reaction shot used in recorded news or current affairs interviews. They consist of nods and other similar "listening gestures" made by the interviewer. The shots are spliced into the interview during the editing process to mask any cuts that have been made.
What is eye level shot?
An eye level shot can result in a neutral perspective (not superior or inferior). This mimics how we see people in real life — our eye line connecting with theirs, and it can break down boundaries. Here's an example of the eye level camera angle:
Why do directors use eye level shots?
Eye level shots are actually much less standard than one might initially think, because directors often prefer to place the camera at shoulder level to attain a much more cinematic look. Learn more about Eye Level Shots →.
What is a low angle shot?
These camera shots most often emphasize power dynamics between characters — a low angle shot on one character is often paired with a high angle shot on the other character.
What is shoulder level?
A shoulder level shot is a camera angle that is as high as your subject’s shoulders. Shoulder level shots are actually much more standard than an eye level shot, which can make your actor seem shorter than reality. Here's an example of the shoulder level camera angle:
What is overhead shot?
An overhead shot is from above, looking down on your subject. These are typically shot from 90 degrees above — anything less might be considered a high angle shot instead.
What does it mean when the camera points down at your subject?
In a high angle shot, the camera points down at your subject. It usually creates a feeling of inferiority, or “look ing down” on your subject. But, again, with every other camera angle, there are many applications.
When to use hip level shots?
Hip level shots are often useful when one subject is seated while the other stands. Hip level shots can also be extremely useful camera angles for when you have action that occurs near the hip, like weapons being drawn, or someone reaching into their pocket.
Why do you use an eye level shot?
Why use an eye-level shot? As a director or DP, you may want to use an eye-level shot to bring the audience into the story. You can do this by creating an eye-level POV shot, or an eye-level close-up. This can help humanize the character at the center of the story or be used as a reveal for an object within the frame.
Why are eye level shots considered neutral?
Eye-level shots are also considered "neutral", in that they don't designate the status (or lack thereof) of a character.
What is the difference between eye level and shoulder level?
What's the difference between eye-level shots and shoulder level shots? The difference between an eye level and shoulder level shot is determined by the middle portion of the frame because the position of the lens iris determines the level of your shot more accurately than the base of your camera body. You may have the base of your camera in line ...
Why does Hitchcock use eye level in Psycho?
Hitchcock uses eye-level in Psycho to get into Marion Crane's mind when she disappears with the money. Here we're allowed in on the personal moment of a character. It's not used for empathy but to get us rooting for her. She's outsmarted everyone and is on the run.
What is the point of view of a film?
One of the most import things to keep in mind when making a film or television is the point of view of the audience. Since your goal is to connect with people, you have to find new and unique ways to get the audience's attention. One of those ways is inserting an eye-level shot.
