Camera Angles in Picture Books

Illustration by Sumi Collina.

Welcome to my Let’s Talk About It Series! These are super speedy tips written to give you a burst of info that will benefit you: the freelance illustrator. Our goal: To give you the tools to empower your portfolio.

Let's talk about: Camera Angles- ( See the full post with illustrations on Instagram, here. )

Visual development within your illustrations is enhanced by P.O.V. as in film. P.O.V. has to do with your page’s layout & from what perspective you’re illustrating.

To begin, you need 100% technical proficiency in illustrating perspective. Perspective here being the ability to draw people & objects on a paper or screen, giving the visual understanding of their proper heights, widths, depths, & position in relation to other characters, objects & scenery within the illustration, all being seen from a still point. This is your Point Of View.
I suggest only adding a unique P.O.V. if it helps create a dynamic story, or directly corresponds with the text. Your P.O.V. should add to the story, not distract the reader. When choosing a P.O.V. pick one that elevates the story, adding to the subplot, or clarifying the written word. Or, if you are playing around with a portfolio development illustration - have fun and test different views out.

3 main P.O.V. everyone should have in their portfolio:

A) Straight On
The full comprehension & ability to draw your scenes with proper perspective is essential to your ability to experiment & play with different P.O.V. So first, make sure you are able to do straight on camera angle. This means your scene is in a neutral P.O.V. You want to pick a character, & have them be on the base level, & everything in association to them.

In the beginning start with simple perspectives such as these 2 exercises: see on the blog, in bio.
B) Looking down a.k.a. Above
Looking down from above is a great exercise in how to illustrate a series of layers giving literal depth to the page.

C) Looking up a.k.a. Below
Here we are looking up at the scene. This could be purposeful if a character is very small & we are seeing things from their perspective. Or a unique angle from a corner of the room to give you more space in the scene.

Once you have these 3 mastered; experiment with unique perspectives!

What should you avoid?
-Don’t let horizon lines get too high or low (know how to draw with accurate perspective).
-Make sure buildings & objects are properly distanced. Don't let them get bunched up.
-Angle people so they aren't 'head on' unless it make sense in regards to the text. Best to angle people in relationship to the story & their character development.

🍃 This is one of the many topics we go even deeper into in the Online Course (check it out here) and the 1-1 consultations email illustrationinitiative@gmail.com and ask to be signed up today!

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