Why Camera Angles Matter
Being short as a photographer has its advantages if I can make you look important from my height! Because everyone is taller than me. But if you wish to make a connection, bring the camera down to eye level.
Recently, I was on a call, and one person had his camera angle so low that he was overlooking everyone. It was like he was the overlord and we were his minions, and I'm sure it was an accident, but it inspired me to delve into the reasons why camera angles matter.
When most people think about having their photo taken, they worry about things like what they're wearing, how their hair looks, or whether they're smiling the "right" way, which are things you need to worry about, but what they often forget is that the camera itself has a point of view. And where it's placed, whether it's slightly below, right at eye level, or above, completely changes the story your photo tells.
I learned this early in my career, long before "personal branding photography" was even a phrase. I was photographing a musician for a magazine profile. During the session, I instinctively shot him from a slightly lower angle, and when the images came back, his team commented on how authoritative and commanding he looked. He hadn't changed his expression, his clothes, or even his posture—it was the angle that shifted everything. That shoot taught me just how powerful perspective is.
Here's how I like to explain it:
Authority (camera below eye level)
Want to look powerful and in control? Place the camera lower, so it's looking up. You'll appear larger-than-life, confident, and commanding. Think about how directors film movie heroes—or even villains. That upward perspective instantly gives weight to the person in the frame.
Connection (camera at eye level)
If your goal is to be approachable and relatable, keep the lens straight on, at eye height. This is my go-to angle for business owners, coaches, and creatives who want their audience to feel like they're sitting across the table having a conversation. I use this in so many branding sessions because it builds instant trust.
Vulnerability (camera above eye level)
Tilt the camera down, and suddenly you soften. You can appear smaller, gentler, or even like you're seeking help. I once photographed an artist this way because she wanted to show the world a different side of herself—less polished, more raw. The images were some of her favourites because, as she put it, "they made me feel human."
What's fascinating is that most people don't consciously notice these differences, but they feel them. We're so used to consuming images every day—on billboards, Instagram feeds, or TV that our brains read these visual cues instantly, without us even realising.
Even in casual life, this comes up. How many times have you taken a selfie with the camera way above your head? It makes you look slimmer, yes, but it also subtly communicates a vulnerability. On the flip side, when a child takes a photo of you from their angle (which is usually low to the ground), you suddenly look towering and strong. Same you, same day—totally different impression.
So, why do camera angles matter? Because photography isn't just about what you look like, it's about how you want to be seen. Whether you want to project strength, openness, or softness, the way the camera meets you is the first step in telling that story.
When you step in front of my lens, I don't just think about light or composition; I think about perspective. Because the right angle can transform not only your photo, but also the way people connect with you.
