If the shadows don't start at the feet, the min shadow bias is one parameter you could use to change that. Of course, if adjusting the view angle of the shadow cam works for you do that - if it looks right, it is right. The shadowcam is nothing weird, it really makes sense. The main difference between raytracing and shadow maps is how they determine what is in the shadow and what not: Raytracing looks at every surface point and then asks "Can I see the light from here? If not, I must be in the shadow." Shadow Maps start at camera view and ask "What can I see from here? If I can't see you, you must be in the shadow."