Searider Productions: Digital Media Applications
Visual Storytelling Guide: Composition, Angle & Position (CAPs)
CAPs are an advanced level of photo composition. They are used to help vary the "look and feel" of a shot, but can also be used to draw the eye or hide specific information.
Below are the 19 most commonly used CAPs and some examples.
Composition
Arrange the elements of the picture by placing specific content within the picture.
Angle
Arrange the elements by using the camera to "LOOK" in specific places.
Position
Arrange the elements by "POSITIONING" the camera in specific places.
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- Angle
- Position
- Composition
Ant's eye - Taken from directly below the subject. Gives audience a feeling of insignificance.
Forced foreground - Camera is placed as close to the foreground object as possible. Gives audience a sense of depth.
Ground level - Camera is placed as close to the ground as possible. Gives audience a sense of subjects movement.
Macro - Camera is placed as close to the subject as possible. Gives audience a sense of subjects world.
Flat angle - Pictures that are flat are shot from a distance directly in front of the subject. Usually they have a solid background or wall.
Bird's eye - Taken from directly above the subject. Gives audience a feeling of dominance.
High angle - Taken from somewhat above the subject. Gives subject a sense of insignificance.
Low angle - Taken from somewhat below the subject. Gives subject a sense of dominance.
Eye level - Taken from directly in front of the subject. Gives audience a feeling of being on the level of the subject.
Parts of a whole - Use parts of different subjects in your composition to tell the whole story.
Grouping shots - Things/people tend to end up in groups together. This is not portrait photography.
Framing - Use the world to create frames for your subjects.
Unusual angle - Put the camera at an angle that is not common.
Contrast in content - Using colors, objects, shapes, directions that differ to draw the eye to the subject.
Point of view - Camera is placed in the eyes of the subject. Gives audience a sense of what the subject sees.
Repetition of shapes - Use similar shapes to create pattern, symmetry or contrast.
Leading lines - Use lines created by the world to lead the eye to the subject.
Rule of thirds (scenery) - Use a grid that divides the screen into thirds vertically and horizontally. Fill one third with either sky or land to create balance.
Rule of thirds (subject) - Use a grid that divides the screen into thirds vertically and horizontally. Fill one third with either sky or land to create balance.
Activity
Project Duration: 1 Day | Groups: 1 (max) | Media : 10 Photos | Difficulty: Beginner
Task: Compose and shoot 10 photos that demonstrate your understanding of the CAPs techniques.
Objective: Tell visual stories using various compositions, camera positions, and angles.
View Example Worksheet
