Camera level for portraits

[BCRose]

What is the best height for the camera in comparison to the subject for head and shoulders portraits?

Eye level, above, below?

Thanks

[milorad]

always slightly above, and with the subject's face (chin) angled slightly down, with eyes looking upward.

we're not talking extremes here... just a few degrees helps open up the eyes.

don't shoot people from below, because looking up their nose is never flattering... least of all if they have a double-chin which you're enlarging by shooting that way.

[liam5100]

Just a hint above eye level is the "standard", be sure the lens is on an even plane.

[liam5100]

always slightly above, and with the subject's face (chin) angled slightly down, with eyes looking upward.

we're not talking extremes here... just a few degrees helps open up the eyes.

don't shoot people from below, because looking up their nose is never flattering... least of all if they have a double-chin which you're enlarging by shooting that way.


With the exception of some fashion angles, they do that "from below" often to get the long legs look to already too skinny models. Just FYI, I know your talking about more traditional "portraits"

[tacoma200]

Mostly with the camera above (with exceptions). In a large percentage of portraits the subject will benefit from having the camera above. Head tilted toward the camera mostly as stated previously.

Also many subjects mostly as we age but also in some younger subjects the chin is a problem area and the higher camera level and/or the head tilted forward will help. There are definitely exceptions to this. I find the area under the chin rarely flattering for most people. I realize I'm just reapeating the good advice you have already recieved.