Profile

An angle that sees exactly the side of the subject, from a direction at a right angle (90°) to where they are looking. The side outline of the face and body stands out clearly, and since the subject does not meet the camera’s eye, it feels like observing from a step away.

Camera position seen at an angle from the side. The camera stays at eye level, and the subject turns 90° to the camera’s right.

Camera view. The subject looks toward the right of the frame, showing the side outline of the long ears and snout.

How it feels

Observation
Distance
Contemplation
Direction
Graphic

When to use it

A character lost in thought, looking out a window or into the distance
Two people facing off, seen from the side
Following a walking or running character from the side
Emphasizing an outline, as in a silhouette or a poster

In the movies

Pulp Fiction (1994) · Source: Movieclips (YouTube) · Original video

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) · Source: SearchlightPictures (YouTube) · Original video

Not to be confused with

Three-quarter: A three-quarter angle is 45°, so the front of the face shows too. A profile shows only the side outline.
Tracking: Tracking alongside a character usually means seeing them in profile. Tracking is a movement; profile is a direction.
Silhouette: A silhouette is a lighting result, with no light on the front. A side-view silhouette combines profile and silhouette.

Prompt

Keyword

profile shot

Descriptive

Profile shot. The camera is positioned perpendicular to the subject's facing direction, showing them exactly from the side so the outline of the face and body is clear.

Try these combinations

Profile + close-up: a character looking out the window
Profile shot, close-up of a man staring out of a rain-streaked train window, cool light
Profile + silhouette: two people face to face
Profile shot, silhouette of two people facing each other against a sunset sky