Language: English

Three-quarter

An angle that sees the subject neither from the front nor the side, but from about 45°. The front and side of the face and body show together, giving a strong sense of depth, and it feels more natural than a straight-on view. It is the most common direction in portrait photography and film conversation scenes.

Camera position seen at an angle from the side. The camera stays at eye level, and the subject turns 45° to the camera’s right.
Camera view. The front and side of the face and body show together, giving depth to the ears and torso.

How it feels

  • Natural
  • Dimensional
  • Depth
  • Relaxed

When to use it

  • Portraits and profile photos
  • A character looking at the other person in a conversation
  • An interviewee talking to someone standing beside the camera
  • Showing the front and side of a product together in product photography

In the movies

Vertigo (1958) · Source: Movieclips (YouTube) · Original video
The Breakfast Club (1985) · Source: Movieclips (YouTube) · Original video

    Not to be confused with

    Eye Level
    Eye level is about camera height; three-quarter is about horizontal direction around the subject. The two can be combined.
    Profile
    A profile looks from exactly the side (90°), so only the side outline shows. A three-quarter view shows the front too.

    Prompt

    Keyword

    three-quarter angle

    Descriptive

    Three-quarter angle. The camera is positioned about 45 degrees from the subject, between a front view and a profile, so both the front and the side of the face and body are visible.

    Try these combinations

    • Three-quarter + close-up + Rembrandt: a portrait

      Three-quarter angle close-up portrait, Rembrandt lighting, dark background

    • Three-quarter + medium shot: a character listening

      Three-quarter angle medium shot of a woman listening, soft window light, shallow depth of field

    Related terms