Three-Quarter Shot

Frames the subject at a 45-degree angle, showing more than profile but not quite frontal. This shot creates depth and dimension while maintaining strong facial visibility. It's cinematically appealing because it reveals facial contours and provides a sense of three-dimensional space within a two-dimensional frame.

Three-Quarter Shot - cinematic example

When to Use

  • Creating dimensional, sculpted portraits with depth
  • Establishing character blocking in classical Hollywood style
  • Balancing facial visibility with environmental context
  • Creating more dynamic compositions than straight-on angles

Famous Examples

Casablanca (1942)
Rick's contemplative moments at the piano
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Michael Corleone's increasingly isolated portraits
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Daniel Plainview during oil negotiations

Related Techniques

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