Camera angles explained for people filming themselves

By Con, founder of Music Wide Selfie · Updated 22 October 2026

Short answerEye level feels natural and honest; high angles make you look smaller or softer; low angles add power but can be unflattering; overhead suits hands and food; over-the-shoulder shows what you’re looking at.

Eye level

The default for talking to camera. Feels like a conversation.

High angle

Camera above, looking down. Common in selfies. Too high feels distant.

Low angle

Camera below, looking up. Adds drama; close to the face it shows chins and nostrils.

Overhead

Straight down. Great for cooking, crafts, unboxing and writing.

Over the shoulder

Shows what you see, such as a screen or a view, with you in the frame.

Mix them

Cutting between two angles keeps longer videos interesting.

Questions

What angle is best for selfies?

Slightly above eye level, with the phone far enough away that the lens doesn’t distort your face.

About Music Wide Selfie

An iPhone camera app for people who film themselves, coming soon to the App Store. One email when it launches.

One email when the app is ready. Nothing else.