Original article: Simple Composition Tricks to Instantly Improve AI Images with Prompts: Camera Angles Edition

This guide dives into camera angles and movements to enrich AI‑generated images. It categorises angles by vertical position, horizontal position, motion simulation and special stylised shots. Below is a structured summary of the main ideas with prompt advice. Citations link back to the original article.

Vertical angles

Eye‑level

Neutral and relatable: the camera is level with the subject’s eyes. Use it for natural portraits or everyday scenes. Prompts can simply state “eye‑level view” or rely on the model’s default.

High angle & bird’s‑eye

Raising the camera above the subject makes the subject appear smaller or vulnerable. A high angle looks down at a slight tilt; a bird’s‑eye view is even higher, emphasising patterns and layouts. Prompts might say “high‑angle shot of a crowded market” or “bird’s‑eye view of the city streets” to get sweeping perspectives.

Overhead/God’s‑eye

Directly overhead, looking straight down, ideal for highlighting symmetry and geometry (e.g., a spiral staircase). Use “overhead shot” or “God’s‑eye view” to achieve this.

Low angle & worm’s‑eye

Positioning the camera below the subject makes them appear dominant or heroic. A low angle glances up; a worm’s‑eye view is extremely low, even at ground level. Prompts like “low‑angle shot of a towering tree” convey awe.

Horizontal angles

Front view

The subject faces the camera directly, creating connection. Simply state “front view portrait” when you want eye contact.

Three‑quarter view

A 45‑degree angle reveals two sides of the subject, adding depth. Use “three‑quarter view of the car” or “45‑degree angle” to avoid flatness.

Profile & side view

A profile shows one side of the face; a side view captures the subject from 90 degrees. This can feel detached or formal. Prompts: “profile portrait with soft lighting”.

Back view

Viewing the subject from behind creates mystery or contemplation. Use “back view of a solitary figure gazing at the ocean”.

Over‑the‑shoulder

An immersive shot where the camera peers over a character’s shoulder at another character or scene. It establishes viewpoint and intimacy in narrative prompts. E.g., “over‑the‑shoulder shot of a woman reading a letter, showing both the letter and the back of her head”.

Motion & movement simulation

Simulated camera movements help convey action. These techniques add cinematic energy to still images.

Dolly‑in & dolly‑out

A dolly‑in (push‑in) moves toward the subject to heighten intensity; a dolly‑out pulls back to reveal context. Prompts: “dolly‑in on the hero’s face, background blurring” or “dolly‑out from the tiny house to reveal a vast forest.”

Tilt up & tilt down

Rotating the camera up or down shifts perspective: tilting up at a skyscraper emphasises height; tilting down reveals what’s below.

Whip pan

A rapid horizontal pan causing motion blur, used to suggest speed or urgency. Prompts might include “whip pan across city lights”.

Tracking shot

The camera moves with the subject, keeping them sharp against a blurred background. It’s great for action sequences: “tracking shot of a runner speeding down a dark street”.

Crane shot & arc shot

A crane shot lifts or lowers the camera to reveal scale and context (e.g., rising from a field to reveal a castle). An arc shot moves in a circle around the subject, adding energy and emphasising the subject’s centrality.

Simulated drone shot

This implies movement across a landscape, as if filmed by a drone. Describe the sweeping aerial motion in your prompt.

Long‑take framing

Inspired by continuous shots in film, this technique layers multiple actions within one frame. Prompts might place different story beats in foreground, mid‑ground and background.

Specialty & stylised angles

These shots add mood or creative flair.

Dutch angle

Tilting the camera diagonally creates unease or dynamism. Use “Dutch‑angle shot of a chaotic street scene”.

Point‑of‑view (POV) & over‑the‑weapon

POV shots place the viewer directly in a character’s position; over‑the‑weapon shots mimic first‑person shooter games. Prompts: “POV of a knight drawing a sword”.

Reflection shots

Capturing subjects through mirrors or reflective surfaces can add introspection or duality. E.g., “reflection shot of a dancer in a dim studio”.

Split diopter & silhouette

A split diopter keeps both foreground and background subjects in sharp focus, creating dual planes. A silhouette emphasises shape and mood by backlighting the subject.

X‑ray/magical vision

Seeing through objects or revealing inner layers adds a fantastical touch. Prompts might describe “magical vision revealing the skeleton beneath a dragon’s scales”.

Fisheye & distortion

Using an ultra‑wide lens causes barrel distortion and a playful or surreal look. Describe “fisheye view of a skateboarder”.

Combining angles

The article encourages mixing vertical, horizontal, motion and specialty descriptors to create complex prompts. For instance, “low‑angle over‑the‑shoulder medium shot of a warrior drawing a bow” combines angle, framing size and perspective. Remember that angles describe camera placement, while perspective (discussed in another article) relates to lens and depth.

Quick‑reference summary

  • Vertical: high angle, bird’s‑eye, overhead, low angle, worm’s‑eye, eye‑level.
  • Horizontal: front, three‑quarter, profile, side, back, over‑the‑shoulder.
  • Framing sizes: extreme close‑up, close‑up, medium, medium‑long, full, extreme wide.
  • Motion: dolly in/out, tilt up/down, whip pan, tracking, crane, arc, drone, long take.
  • Specialty: Dutch angle, POV, reflection, split diopter, silhouette, X‑ray/magical vision, fisheye.

Use these descriptors to craft prompts that not only place the subject but also evoke mood, story and motion.