Camera angles are used to position the audience so that they can understand the relationship between the artist and the song. Camera angles are very important for creating meaning in music videos as well as in other visual texts. Different Camera angles can enforce different types of notions. They can also create different types of meaning. Camera movement is similar to camera angles, in the fact, that they create meaning. Camera Movement is used to follow and trace the artist or band. Most music videos use a variety of camera Shots, Angles and Movements to create different techniques and to make the video different and unique in its own way, to other music videos.
Tilt
A tilt is when the lens of the camera is moved up or down while constantly keeping the camera horizontal. One of the purposes of a tilt in music videos is to convey a sense of Voyeurism or to sexualise the artist. This is why tilts are often used in Pop and RnB music videos. For example, A tilt is used in Usher- Burn and Katy Perry- California Gurls music video to sexualise the artist. Another reason a tilt might be used is to create a suitable composition that can work well in a frame or shot. A tilt can sometimes be used in Hip Hop Music videos to create a dramatic reveal of the artist or someone else who is significant in a music video. For example, in the video below, A tilt is used to introduce Travis Scott (The artist) to the audience in the beginning of the video.
When using a tilt, it is important that the camera is placed in a steady position.The camera must be steady in order to create a smooth tilt movement.
(Travis Scott Upper Echelon)
Arc
An arc is a camera movement which is similar to a tilt. An Arc movement is when the camera moves from left to right in an 'arc' position e.g. similar to a semi-circle. This type of movement/shot combines aspects of a tracking and dolly shot at the same time. This means that it is a simultaneous movement in which the camera is moved from side to side and in and out. A arc camera movement can be used to show off the location of a music video. The purpose of an arc shot is to add a level of drama to a music video or to show a lack of control. The music video below is an example of an Arc. An arc is used in this video where the artist is rapping in front of the camera. It was used in this music video to show the the artist's location and where the artist is performing. This is very effective because it allows the audience to know what it going on while the artist is performing. It also adds creativity to the video.
(Logic- Super Mario World)
Track away
A track away is a camera movement in which the camera moves away from the artist or something else on screen. The purpose of a tracking away shot and movement is to show Power and control within the artist. This movement makes the artist look intimidating to the audience. Track away shots are often used in music videos to put the main focus on the artist and what he/she is doing in the video. The video below is an example of this.
(Retro Spectro- S.T.A.N)
Dolly in/Tracking
This is were the camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very smooth movement. Also known as tracking. The purpose of a dolly movement is to show intimidation and suspense. This is because the camera gets closer into the action. Because of this, the composition sets a mood or effect for the audience making them feel engaged. Music videos can sometimes use Dolly and Tracking shots to create intensity, depending on the genre and type of music video. This is especially true for Rock and Hip Hop music videos. This is effective because it allows the audience to know where to look.
This music video uses Dolly in and Tracking shots to create intensity. These types of movement and shots fitnwith the pace of the music. The way that dolly and tracking shots are used is different compared to a hip-hop music video, where these types of movements might be used to make the artist appear more intimidating.
(Foo Fighters- The Pretender)
Low Angle
A Low Angle is the opposite of a high angle. This is were the camera is placed below the artist and the artist is shown from below. The purpose of low angles in music videos is to make the artist look powerful and dominant.It gives the artist a sense of control and intimidation. One example of a low angle being used is Jay Z and Kanye West Otis.
As you can see, The camera has been placed below both jay z and Kanye West to make them appear intimidating. Low angles are typically used in Hip Hop music videos, but are used in other genres of music videos such as Rock. Low angles are particularly used in Hip Hop videos to make audience believe that the artist has a high status. Status is very important in the world of hip hop, so in order for a hip hop artist to create a recognizable star image, their music video must convey the fact that they are higher than everyone else. This creates inspiration for fans.
High Angle
This is were the camera shows the artist from above, and the camera is angled down towards the artist, which has the effect of making them appear less powerful, less significant and submissive. As mentioned before, High angles are often used to portrayal the aritst or people on screen as weak and insignificant. For example, the first video below, uses a high angle to show Rihanna in a powerless state. High Angles are often used in Pop narrative music videos to show the artist in a vulnerable stage in their life.
(Rihanna- Stay)
Canted or Dutch Angle
A Dutch angle also known as a canted angle,is when the camera is purposely tilted to one side so that the camera is on an angle, this is creative in making interesting dramatic effects. The purpose of a dutch angle is to make the artist or character look unstable and in distress. A dutch angle can also represent a power struggle between two characters or the artist. Dutch angles are popular in MTV style productions,where unusual angles and lots of camera movement play a big part. A canted tilt is used to make the video look aesthetically pleasing.
Birds eye view
this angle is showing the artist and scene from directly above. This is completely different and can be from an unnatural point of view which can be used to add a dramatic effect or showing a different perspective of an area. It can also show the positions and motions of the artist, characters or objects, enabling the audience to see things the artist or character in the video might not see. The purpose of a birds eye view shot is to allow the audience to see the location of the music video. The music video below uses Birds eye view.
(Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth- See You Again)
This is were the camera scans a scene horizontally. The camera is placed on a tripod, which operates as a stationary axis point as the camera is turned, often to follow a moving object which is kept in the middle of the frame. Panning is often used in music videos to create a cinematic effect. The music video below is an example of this.
(Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth- See You Again)
Handheld
A handheld movement is when the camera is held by the camera operator rather than being placed on a tripod. Handheld camera movements are used in music videos to create realism and to show that the artist is unstable. The camera movement creates the image of the artist being in an emotional state. This is why handheld movements are sometimes used to show vulnerability or loneliness in a music video. The videos below are examples of handheld camera movement.
(Retro Spectro- Outta Control)
(Nebu Kiniza- Gassed Up)
