Prompting for video · Lesson 3 of 4
Camera language
Dolly, orbit, crane — and when to hold still. · 5 min read
Real cinematography terms outperform everyday descriptions, because that is how the training footage was labelled. "Slow dolly in" beats "the camera moves closer".
The camera presets in the Video studio write this language for you. Some useful ones:
- Dolly in or out: steady movement toward or away from the subject; builds or releases tension.
- Orbit: circles the subject; good for products and reveals.
- Crane up: rises to reveal the wider scene; a natural ending.
- Handheld: slight shake and drift; documentary energy.
Do not give every shot a move. A locked-off shot between two moving ones reads as a deliberate choice, and stillness is often what makes a moment land.