How Camera Angles Affect Your Feelings About Politicians
The Different Types of Camera Angles & the Feelings they a Meant to Evoke
Front: Straight Ahead
If the camera is in front of a politician, angled straight at the politician, the viewer is meant to be on an even playing field with the politician. This camera angle shows that the politician is seeing eye to eye with the viewer.
Front: Angled Up
If you are watching a politician on TV, and the camera is angled so that the politician appears to be above you, this is meant to symbolize that the politician is more important than you. This camera angle is meant to show that the politician deserves respect. The sharper the angle, the more respect symbolized.
In dictatorships, this camera angle is almost always used. The camera will be at least three or four feet under the leader to intimidate, and to instigate fear through intimidation. Very few American politicians will allow this camera angle to be used unless they are making speeches that are meant to intimidate someone such as a foreign threat.
Front: Angled Down
This angle is meant to symbolize a politician that is not fully worthy for the position that he or she has, or is trying to acquire. This angle will be used if a particular station has something to gain by the politician losing an election.
Behind
If you see a camera angle in which it appears that you are standing on stage behind the politician looking out at the crowd, there are certain sensations that should come to mind. This angle is meant to symbolize a politician that someone believes that you should, "stand behind."
This camera angle can humanize the politician more for some viewers. There are some that believe that this camera angle can make any politician appear to be more like a regular person then any of the others.
Side: Straight
If a side camera angle is used, it is meant to symbolize standing next to the politician. This profile angle is usually used for politicians when they are trying to show that they are pushing for a grassroots campaign for some kind of office.
Side: Slightly Behind and Up
There are some that consider this to be one of the most powerful angles to show a politician. It is meant to symbolize not only that you stand with the politician, but that you respect, and admire the person.
This is to symbolize those feelings that many of us had as children when we would, "Look up," to an adult that we respected. It is meant to symbolize the feelings about how we would do anything that the adult asked of us.
The next time that you watch a political speech on TV, make sure that you pay attention to the camera angles that are being used. Chances are good that there are certain hidden messages that are being conveyed that you would have never noticed.
Published by L. Vincent Poupard - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment and Travel
L. Vincent Poupard is known for his insightful news commentaries and unique takes on the entertainment industry. Along with his career in writing, he works as a political/business consultant and has helped b... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a Commenti agree that camera angles mater for any video.I think camera angles dose affect the mood or how people fell.
i did not know that they put so much thought into the process of this. it makes sense now that i know about it. its very interesting.
i've never thought of this. Very fascinating. i'll have to try it!
I would have never dreamed of this. Wow. It makes sense, too.
Interesting article...I noticed in the Democratic debate on ABC TV they repeatedly showed that Kucinich had a few papers in front of him, but never showed if anything was in front of Hillary Clinton, even though she was at the other end of the line. I suppose they want us to think she doesn't need to refer to notes because she's so "experienced", something the moderator seemed to want to emphasize.
This is very interesting and something I hadnt really considered before. :-)
I had no idea of the strategy involved in photographing important people in the media. I would have never guessed it. But maybe on a gut level we relate, and they know it, whether we know it or not. Great article!
Interesting article. I'll have to pay more attention to the angle.
The better looking the candidate is also affects the public's view. When Nixon and Kennedy had debates, if listened to on the radio, Nixon was the clear winner, but if viewed on television, Kennedy far outshined his opponent. Nixon appeared sweaty and older, and Kennedy was the all American young man. Good article, great observation.
John Edwards blinks a lot...that's not really on the topic, but thanks for sharing