Here are examples of different camera shots with corresponding prompt descriptions:
a) Wide Shot
Purpose: Establishing the scene and surroundings.
Prompt Example: “A wide-angle shot of a bustling city square at dusk, capturing the tall buildings, street lights flickering on, and people walking through the square. The camera slowly pans from left to right, revealing the scope of the urban environment. The lighting is soft, with warm hues reflecting off the glass windows. The mood is vibrant yet calm.”
b) Close-Up Shot
Purpose: Highlight a specific detail or emotion.
Prompt Example: “A close-up shot of a person’s hands gently touching the petals of a rose. The camera remains steady, with a shallow depth of field to blur the background. Lighting is natural and soft, coming from a nearby window, enhancing the texture of the petals and the subtle movement of the fingers.”
c) Over-the-Shoulder Shot
Purpose: Immersive POV that provides context.
Prompt Example: “An over-the-shoulder shot of a character standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at the crashing waves below. The camera subtly tilts upward as if following the character’s gaze, capturing both the expanse of the ocean and the steep cliffs. The lighting is dim, with clouds overhead, setting a contemplative mood.”
d) Tracking Shot
Purpose: Follow the subject’s movement through the environment.
Prompt Example: “A tracking shot following a woman as she walks through a crowded market. The camera smoothly moves beside her at waist height, capturing her interactions with the vibrant surroundings. The lighting is bright and harsh, as sunlight streams through the market’s canvas rooftops, creating sharp contrasts.”
e) Dolly Zoom
Purpose: Creates a disorienting effect by zooming in while the camera moves back (or vice versa).
Prompt Example: “A dolly zoom effect on a character standing in a forest clearing. As the camera moves backward, it zooms in on the character’s face, creating a sense of isolation and tension. The lighting is dim with shafts of sunlight cutting through the dense trees, casting long shadows. The mood is eerie, with an ominous feeling.”
Static Shot: No camera movement, used to focus the audience on a subject or setting.
Pan: The camera stays in place but moves horizontally across the scene (e.g., left to right).
Tilt: The camera moves vertically (e.g., up or down).
Zoom: The camera lens changes focal length, moving closer to or further from the subject without moving the camera itself.
Dolly: The camera physically moves toward or away from the subject.
Crane/Jib: The camera moves up and down, often used for sweeping overhead shots.
Steadicam/Handheld: Adds fluid or shaky movement for more dynamic or raw shots.
360-degree Pan: The camera rotates fully around the subject for immersive, all-encompassing shots.
Sample Complex Prompts with Multiple Factors - Here’s how you can combine these elements for more intricate prompts:
Scenario 1:
“A steady camera dolly shot moving toward a rustic wooden cabin in the middle of a foggy forest at dawn. The shot begins wide, gradually narrowing in on the cabin as the fog swirls around. The lighting is soft with cold, bluish tones, creating a haunting, mysterious atmosphere. As the camera gets closer, it tilts upward, showing the towering trees surrounding the cabin.”
Scenario 2:
“A fast-paced tracking shot through a dense jungle, following a runner as they dodge obstacles and leap over fallen trees. The camera swings rapidly to the side at times, creating a sense of chaos and urgency. Bright sunlight filters through the canopy, creating flickering spots of light on the forest floor. The mood is intense, with the runner’s breath audible over the sound of crunching leaves and snapping branches.”