is a technique that involves tilting your camera to one side, resulting in a frame that isn’t level
It did not actually originate in the Netherlands, as the name may suggest. It comes from German filmmakers in the early 20th century. The term used then, the Deutsch tilt, (which is German for ‘German’,) was bastardized. It became the Dutch tilt.
Batman angle, being one of them. The history behind it is that this particular shot was extensively used in the television series “Batman” in the 1960s.
It’s a camera technique that was used by the German Expressionists in the 1920s
This composition technique is made by rotating the camera. It was used to imply a sense of unease or disorientation, often without camera movement. This method became popular among expressionists.
It is very easy to create this type of canted shot. All you need to do is to tilt your camera off axis.
As with any photographic composition technique, it can be used well or very poorly. To make the most of Dutch angle shots, make the oblique angle you choose look very deliberate.
This photo clearly shows the use of a Dutch angle to portray tension. No doubt that the woman in the photo wears a worried look, but the imbalance helps in better portrayal. Observe the sofa and the frame, and you’ll notice that it’s not parallel. This effect gives way for more tension and distress, which is the main use of this angle.
When the Dutch angle is subtle it can look like a mistake. But when you can incorporate this tilt in your composition the impact it has can be very positive.
sing a Dutch tilt with intention, rather than randomly, is creative. It does not need to look like a mistake.
With oblique angle shots you are able to communicate a sense of fear, drunkenness or agitation in your photographs. Used well, it can also create a sense of freedom and fun. a psychological uneasiness. Things feel off-kilter, unsteady, and unusual.
The main purpose of this angle in films or photographs is to show instability or tension of some kind. Not only that, it is used to show funny or light-hearted scenes too, which proves that it all depends on your creativity.
◈ Another use of this shot is that it gives ample space. You can fit in extravagant heights just by tilting the camera. It gives you a wider perspective like a wide-angle lens.
◈ The Dutch angle is also often used in automobile photography. This is done to give the showroom (static) car a more appealing look.
Turn it a little to the left, or to the right. And however much you decide to tilt the camera is up to you.
Leading lines, the use of strong diagonals and even curves can be enhanced when you use a Dutch tilt. If you’re photographing a scene with strong lines and can’t make a strong enough photo, move your camera off axis.
Using the Dutch tilt leading lines often have far more impact. This is because you are employing two techniques. They’ll draw the viewer’s eye towards the most important area of your photograph.
Don’t worry about always having your horizon straight. So long as your composition exaggerates the tilt, it will look calculated and not like a mistake.
When you’re in a tight spot you should consider making use of a tilt shot. If you’re photographing a subject you can’t quite surround with your frame tilting your camera can help. You may be able to fit the whole of your subject in your composition.
When you’re faced with photographing something standard, make a non-standard photograph. This way it’s more likely to be looked at by more people.
I encourage people who take our travel photography workshops to avoid travel snapshots. Monks, temples and tuk tuks are staple subject material for photographers when they visit Thailand.
We’ve all glanced over these photos. Consider using a Dutch tilt to help make them more outstanding.
The more intentional you can make this technique look the stronger your photos will be.
Garry Winogrand was one of the masters of the ‘dutch angle’ in street photography. Note how he purposefully tilted many of his horizons, to make his photos seem more edgy, and off-kilter: