POV Shot: What It Is and How To Use It

When viewers identify with the experience of the storyteller or the character, they tend to relate to the video more. That’s why filmmakers and content creators often use POV shots to show a character’s perspective. This technique can keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. 

In this article, we show you how to create POV shots with examples from iconic movies for inspiration.

What Does POV Mean?

POV, or "point of view," refers to shots in videography that show what a character is looking at. Other names for these shots include first-person and subjective camera shots. These scenes display a character's perspective and help viewers feel what the character is experiencing.

In social media, a POV shot is a great way to make content look more aesthetic and professional. Creators often use this technique to tell a quick joke, such as, “POV: You’re trying to sneak a late-night snack, and the kitchen light suddenly turns on.”

You don’t need specialized equipment to shoot POV videos. Any camera will do, including your phone, although handheld cameras are handy for professional shots.

Types of POV Shots

POV shots offer content creators ways to immerse viewers in a character’s perspective, but they aren’t always filmed from the same angle.

Let’s look at the three main types of POV shots.

Subjective

Subjective point-of-view shots show what a character sees, putting the audience in their shoes. This technique helps viewers feel closer to the character's feelings and experiences. Showing things from this perspective makes the story more engaging and helps viewers understand what the character is going through.

Objective

Objective POV shots cover what’s happening from a neutral viewpoint, like a camera watching from a distance. They capture actions and events without showing any character's thoughts or feelings. This way, viewers can see the characters and their interactions without getting inside their heads, making it easier to observe the story as it unfolds.

Over-the-Shoulder

Over-the-shoulder shots film a scene from behind a character, typically focusing on what they're looking at. This highlights the character's perspective while still allowing viewers to see their reactions and emotions. It creates a sense of connection between the character and whatever they're facing, making the audience feel more involved in the conversation or action.

How To Create and Use a POV Shot

Filmmakers and influencers can use several techniques to create POV shots for their projects. Below are a few of the best methods. 

Using Wide-Angle or Fisheye Lenses To Emulate the Eye

Using wide-angle or fisheye lenses can help mimic how the human eye sees by capturing a wider view of the scene. These lenses let filmmakers show more of the surroundings, just like our eyes take in a broad area. 

A wide-angle lens makes spaces feel bigger and highlights the connections between characters and their environment. Fisheye lenses take this further by creating a fun, distorted look that’s similar to peripheral vision. This technique makes the experience more immersive, pulling viewers into the character's world and offering a fresh perspective.

Using a Handheld Camera To Mimic Realistic Movement

Using a handheld camera can create realistic movement that makes viewers feel like they're part of the action. By moving the camera like a character might — turning their head or walking — filmmakers can make the audience feel closer to the characters.

Handheld shots can also add a sense of urgency or tension, making scenes feel more immediate and exciting. 

When you’re ready to edit these clips, Captions can help. Our AI tools automatically add transitions to footage so you can switch seamlessly between perspectives.

Setting up With an Objective Shot(s)

Using the third-person point of view before the POV makes it feel more personal and impactful. Viewers can smoothly transition from watching the action to experiencing it through the character’s eyes. 

Start by using the objective shot to show the scene and give viewers some context. Once you have this established, switch to the POV shot by positioning the camera at the character’s eye level, focusing on what they're looking at. 

This technique is useful for short content, like a TikTok video, where you want to quickly establish the story and move it along.

Placing the Camera From the Perspective of Inanimate Objects

Character perspectives are important in filmmaking, but they're not the only way to tell your story. Using a POV shot from the viewpoint of an inanimate object can make things more interesting and offer a new look at the scene.

Try using this shot in a YouTube product video. Replace the product with the camera to show the character grabbing it and cut into an objective shot that shows the character picking up the object from afar. The audience will immediately focus on the product you’re showcasing.

Focusing on a Character’s Reaction

Consider highlighting a character's response with objective and over-the-shoulder POV shots, which convey information and emotions to viewers without relying on dialogue.

For example, you can shoot a product reveal or unboxing video with an over-the-shoulder shot. This scene shows the character’s growing delight at discovering what’s inside a generic box. Using this simple technique makes viewers want to keep watching to see the product itself.

3 Examples of POV Shots in Movies

Filmmakers often use POV shots in movies. Below are a few examples to inspire your own video-making process.

Napoléon (1927)

POV shots are far from a new technique. Director Abel Gance used this technique to capture one of the first POV shots on film.

To highlight Napoléon’s leadership skills, the film depicts a childhood snowball fight from his perspective. POV shots include The Little Corporal climbing over snowy barriers, running amongst his “troops,” and fighting the opposing team. Using the first-person perspective for this scene allows the viewers to understand Napoléon’s willingness to take charge, even from an early age.

Jaws (1975)

POV shots are also an effective horror technique, and one prime example of this is Jaws. Rather than using POVs to create a closer connection between viewers and a character, director Steven Spielberg often films from the perspective of the shark.

This has an interesting effect on the audience. They become the monster, which heightens the fear and anticipation before each attack. 

Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese also uses these shots often in the classic film Goodfellas. One notable example occurs when the camera moves through the bar, allowing viewers to meet various characters as the narrator introduces them. This technique makes audiences feel as though they’re being initiated into the mob themselves. 

Another iconic POV shot example is Karen pointing a gun straight at Henry’s face. In this scene, the camera alternates between Henry's perspective of the weapon and Karen's view as she confronts him. This switch effectively conveys Karen's desperation and Henry's fear, deepening the moment's tension.

Edit Your POV Videos Like a Pro With Captions

POV shots let your viewers identify with your content and become active participants. Whether you’re new to video editing or are looking to try out some new film techniques, you can easily try it yourself using Captions. 

Film directly within the app, and use AI Edit to streamline your video editing process. Our platform uses AI to add transitions, generate color schemes, and trim B-roll for your posts automatically. With all the time you’ll save, you can focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. 

Try Captions today.