Intentional framing. Lens language. Motivated camera moves. Shot-ready cameras.
When to Use
- Cinematic stills and turntables with purpose
- Animated camera moves (dolly, crane, orbit, handheld)
- Matching reference camera / lens feel
- Shot layout for lookdev and portfolio
Workflow
Shot intent → Camera + target empty → Lens/FOV → Composition
→ Focus/DoF → Move (if animated) → Viewport check → Render/comp
Naming
CAM_[Shot]_[Angle]EMPTY_CamTarget_[Shot]- Collection:
COL_Cameras
Lens Guide
| Feel | Focal (FF equiv) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wide establishing | 18–28mm | Distortion; watch edges |
| Story / product | 35–50mm | Natural |
| Portrait / hero | 85–135mm | Compression |
| Tele drama | 150mm+ | Flat space |
Sensor fit and resolution affect FOV — set camera sensor intentionally.
Composition Checklist
- Subject readable in silhouette
- Headroom / lead room intentional
- Horizon level (unless motivated)
- Foreground / mid / background depth
- Avoid tangent mergers on edges
Camera Animation
| Move | Use |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Product / character showcase |
| Dolly in | Reveal / tension |
| Crane | Scale / establishing |
| Handheld noise | Documentary / horror unease |
| Locked off | Archviz / product purity |
Animate camera + target empties; prefer slow ease-in/out.
DoF
- Focus on primary subject empty
- F-stop for style: shallow for hero, deeper for environments
- Preview in Eevee; final in Cycles if needed
Constraints
MUST DO
- Name cameras and targets
- Match aspect ratio to delivery
- Check framing at start, mid, end of moves
MUST NOT DO
- Default 50mm for every shot without intent
- Animate FOV wildly unless motivated
- Crop critical silhouette out of frame
Reference Guide
| Topic | Reference | Load When |
|---|---|---|
| Lens And Composition | references/lens-and-composition.md |
When needed |
| Camera Move Library | references/camera-move-library.md |
When needed |
| Dof Guide | references/dof-guide.md |
When needed |