What Is An Eye Level Shot?

Neutrality of eye level shots

In many cases, the emotional effect of eye level shots is pretty minimal, and overall, eye level shots have a neutral effect. This is because we ourselves typically view the world from eye level. Therefore, the feeling is familiar, and seeing the subjects of a film this way feels quite natural.

Due to this overall neutrality, it’s one of the best choices for situations where you’re trying to present information directly and without any “spin”. This neutrality means eye level shots can also be helpful in creating more emphasis on other, more unusual types of shots, such as shots from above or below (more on those in the next section).

Eye level shots certainly create a sense of immersion in the scene, as though the people watching are actually there with the characters. And there are also a few other ways that eye level shots can helpfully influence the viewer’s experience. Keep reading to learn more!

Emotional effects of eye level shots

Shooting a character from above can often make them seem weak and vulnerable. And shooting a character from below can make them seem powerful, invulnerable, heroic, and even scary. This will depend on the context (plot, accompanying soundtrack, and so forth).

The middle ground — shooting right at eye level — has neither of these effects. Instead, it can make a character feel more approachable and sympathetic to the viewers. It can even allow audiences to feel like they’re more in touch with what characters are experiencing on an emotional level. That is even the case when there is no inner monologue. When a character is first introduced using an eye level shot, it displays them as they are without adding any layers of judgment to their portrayal. 

Relatedly to these effects, eye level shots can also amplify emotional moments, especially when they’re close up. If a character is feeling significant sadness, rage, suffering, joy, and so on, an eye level shot can make these emotional moments resonate stronger with the audience.

This does make intuitive sense when you think about it. As the viewer of a film or in real life with someone you know, being near someone makes it easier to experience their emotions. You then can sympathize/empathize with their feelings. It’s all part of the power of the eye level shot in film. 

How about finding a space to film?

The various types of shots are a pretty technical and niche aspect of filmmaking. So if you’re researching eye level shots and reading this article, it’s very likely that you’re someone who’s interested in making a film of your own.

One of the most crucial aspects of creating a film that lives up to your vision is the location (or locations, more typically!) in which you do the filming. 

To find film shoot venues and spaces of all kinds for rental, we highly recommend Peerspace. It’s the most extensive marketplace on the web for these types of rentals, with thousands and thousands of options throughout hundreds of cities in the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

Peerspace production locations include more formal film and photoshoot studios. But, you can also discover other types of spaces that might be perfect for the scenes you’re planning to film, like homes, galleries, and restaurants. 

Some examples of incredible Peerspace venues that could be the perfect fit for a scene in your movie:

And this is just the tip of the iceberg! Plus, all the listings include incredibly detailed descriptions of the spaces, high-res photographs, and reviews from past renters. Therefore, you’ll get a clear sense of what you’re looking at before you even see it in person.

So at the very least, give Peerspace a quick search to see if it’s a good fit for your needs.

Shooting a music video in LA? Then you need to check out these 11 sick music video locations in Los Angeles next!