Pedestal

A movement where the camera moves straight up or down while keeping its tilt. As if riding an elevator, the camera body travels vertically, and the frame sweeps the subject from bottom to top or top to bottom. The lens angle does not change, so perspective stays constant.

Camera seen at an angle from above. In the same spot, only its height rises and falls by 0.75 m, and its viewing angle stays the same.

Camera view. The bunny moves down and then up within the frame, while the angle of the buildings behind stays the same.

How it feels

Calm introduction
Vertical reveal
Orderly
Observation

When to use it

Rising along with a seated character as they stand up
Moving up from an object on a table to a character’s face
Sweeping a tall subject or a display case up and down
Changing height in broadcast or stage filming

In the movies

Barbie (2023) · Source: Warner Bros. UK & Ireland (YouTube) · Original video

Not to be confused with

Tilt: In a tilt the height stays the same and only the angle changes. In a pedestal the angle stays the same and the height changes.
Crane: A crane rises in an arc and its tilt changes along the way. A pedestal rises and falls in a straight line.

Prompt

Keyword

pedestal up

Descriptive

Pedestal up. The camera rises straight upward while staying level, lifting the entire camera instead of tilting the lens, so the frame climbs the subject from bottom to top.

Try these combinations

Pedestal up: from an object to a face
Pedestal up from a coffee cup on a desk to the face of a tired writer, warm lamp light
Pedestal down: through a space from top to bottom
Pedestal down from a chandelier to a crowded ballroom, smooth, symmetrical