All photographers long to take that perfect shot - a jaw dropping photograph that really speaks to the viewer. There are of course, many ingredients to a photo that makes such an impact. But one important factor to consider on your quest for the perfect shot is the best camera angle for the composition. Choosing a camera angle that is best suited for a particular subject or scene will help your photo stand out from the rest.

In essence, the camera angle you choose has an aesthetic and psychological value within the story of a photo. The photographer can convey to the viewer how he or she wants the subject to be seen, perceived, and how the subject fits in to the story.

There's not necessarily one angle that is the best, but there are three camera angles that are commonly used by photographers. They are high-angle, low-angle, and eye-level.
<ol>
	<li><strong>High-angle shot</strong></li>
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<div><a title="Baby Girl by S Alex Maier, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bowwowbeach/2930489477/"  target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="500" height="433" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/dog.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Baby Girl</em>
Photo by S Alex Maier</p>
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A high-angle photo shows the subject from above. The camera is placed above, angling down towards the subject. This type of angle “weakens” the subject in a way that it makes it appear less powerful, depressed, passive, and troubled.

In the photo, the camera pivoted downwards the cute dog to make it look lost and vulnerable. Coupled with the perfect timing to capture the dog’s expression, the photographer effectively conveyed the story of a worried dog looking for his master.



	<li><strong>Low-angle shot</strong></li>
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<div><a title="Beam Me Up by Philipp Klinger Photography, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcdead/5808314074/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="402" height="500" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/building.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Beam Me Up</em>
Photo by Philipp Klinger Photography</p>
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Taken with the camera directed upwards, low angle shots have the effect of creating the impression that the subject is powerful, dominant, prominent, secure, confident, and happy. It can also exaggerate the height of tall subjects such as buildings.



	<li><strong>Eye-angle shot</strong></li>
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<div><a title="Reveling the sun by Stavros Markopoulos, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markop/273706600/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/butterfly.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Reveling the sun</em>
Photo by Stavros Markopoulos</p>
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Eye-level shots are neutral shots in a way that subjects are shown the way we see them in real life. This angle is probably the most often used and gives a more accurate point of view.</ol>