Kuvakulma

Kuvakulma is a term used in photography and cinematography to describe the camera's viewpoint relative to the subject. It defines where the camera is placed and the angle at which the scene is captured, shaping how viewers perceive size, authority, intimacy, and mood. The chosen kuvakulma often works in concert with framing, lighting, and lens characteristics to convey narrative meaning.

Common kuvakulmat include eye-level, where the camera is roughly at the subject's eye height for a neutral, unobtrusive view; high angle, where the camera looks down on the subject, making it appear smaller or more vulnerable; low angle, where the camera rises from below, heightening the subject's dominance or power; and top-down or bird's-eye, which can create detachment or an overview. A Dutch angle, where the camera is tilted, is frequently used to evoke tension or disorientation. The effect of a given kuvakulma can be amplified or softened by lens choice, distance to the subject, and movement.

In practice, kuvakulma is a fundamental storytelling tool in both still photography and film. By varying the camera viewpoint across shots or within scenes, creators guide viewer attention, influence perceived relationships between characters, and establish tone or genre. Changes in kuvakulma can signal shifts in power, emotion, or perspective, contributing to the overall rhythm and meaning of the work.

See also: composition, perspective, shot types, camera angle.