When it comes to constructing a visual image — whether in photography or in film — the placement of the camera is of vital importance. The choice of angle has subtle psychological implications: it affects how we view the person, the environment or the situation. If we consider the mood, the feel or the purpose of an image — whether capturing a real or a fictional depiction — then where the camera is placed becomes essential in conveying those elements to the viewer.
Composition is one of the central elements of photography. Not only does it make the image visually appealing, it conveys expressive and interpretative information. Whether a photograph or film shot, how the elements of the image are composed do a great deal in highlighting the perspective, the mood and the meanings within the image. Thought must go into whether to choose a low, mid or high angle, whether or not to frame up close or far away; whether to frame off-centre or centred, how much background and contextualising detail should be incorporated, how the light should fall on a face.
In film the drama of a scene often heavily influences the cinematographical choices that the director might make. How far and how close one chooses to place the camera can establish a sense of empathy: for example, in one moment, do we want to be intimate with the characters as…
