# Camera Cinematography

Cinematic camera work in Blender including framing, lenses, composition, camera...

- Repository: https://github.com/arjun988/blender-skills (1650 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-07-10
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add arjun988/blender-skills --skill camera-cinematography -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add arjun988/blender-skills --skill camera-cinematography -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add arjun988/blender-skills --skill camera-cinematography -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add arjun988/blender-skills --skill camera-cinematography -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add arjun988/blender-skills`

## Description

Cinematic camera work in Blender including framing, lenses, composition, camera animation, and shot language beyond basic rendering setup via MCP.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Camera Cinematography

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

The rest: https://github.com/arjun988/blender-skills/blob/HEAD/.claude/skills/camera-cinematography/SKILL.md