The present disclosure refers to a method and an apparatus for controlling a video image. The method can be applied on a smart terminal associated with a smart photographic device. The method includes: detecting whether a predetermined rotating instruction is received, when displaying a first video image taken by the smart photographic device; sending the predetermined rotating instruction to the smart photographic device, if the predetermined rotating instruction is detected; displaying a second video image photographed by the smart photographic device after the smart photographic device is rotated according to the predetermined rotating instruction.