How Do I Create Static Camera Shots in Dream Machine?

Category: Getting Started
Tags: static shot, camera lock, fixed viewpoint, still camera, Ray2, Ray3, locked viewpoint, camera control

Introduction

Ray2 and Ray3 are designed for dynamic, cinematic movement—but sometimes you need the camera to stay perfectly still while your scene animates. Whether you're creating a flickering birthday cake, static nature scenes with moving elements, festive table settings, or any scene where only the subject should move, locking your camera in place is essential. This quick guide reveals the specific prompts that tell Dream Machine to keep the camera stationary while allowing scene elements to move naturally.

Three Effective Camera Lock Prompts

Dream Machine responds to specific phrases that instruct the AI to maintain a fixed camera position. Use any of these three proven prompts at the beginning of your generation:

Secret Prompt #1: "still camera shot of..."

This phrase explicitly tells Ray2/Ray3 to keep the camera completely stationary throughout the generation.

Example: "still camera shot of a birthday cake with flickering candles and gentle smoke rising"

Secret Prompt #2: "locked viewpoint of..."

This alternative phrasing achieves the same static camera effect while allowing natural scene animation.

Example: "locked viewpoint of autumn leaves gently rustling on a tree branch"

Secret Prompt #3: "fixed viewpoint of..."

Another effective phrase that maintains camera stability while scene elements move.

Example: "fixed viewpoint of flowing fabric curtains in a breeze by a window"

How Static Shots Work

These camera lock phrases tell Ray2/Ray3 to keep the camera stationary while allowing scene elements to move naturally. This means you can have:

• Flames flickering on candles

• Leaves rustling in wind

• Fabric flowing and moving

• Smoke or steam rising

• Water rippling or flowing

• Characters moving within the frame

• Any other dynamic elements

The key is that the camera perspective itself remains fixed—no panning, no zooming, no dollying—while the scene comes alive with internal motion.

Pro Tip: Combine with Scene Animation Details

For best results, combine these camera lock phrases with specific scene animation details. The more specific you are about what should move within your static frame, the better Dream Machine understands your intent.

Effective combined examples:

• "Fixed viewpoint of a birthday cake with flickering candles and gentle smoke rising"

• "Still camera shot of a cozy fireplace with dancing flames and embers glowing"

• "Locked viewpoint of a garden with flowers swaying gently in the breeze"

• "Fixed viewpoint of a festive dinner table with candles flickering and steam rising from hot food"

Test Images and Examples

Try these prompts with your own images or test with practice examples to understand how the static camera effect works. Experiment with different combinations of camera lock phrases and scene animation descriptions to achieve your desired result.

Source Image 2:

The best way to master static shots is through testing—start with simple scenes (a single candle, a plant in wind) before moving to complex multi-element compositions.

Troubleshooting

• What happens if my camera still moves despite using these prompts?: Ensure you're placing the camera lock phrase at the very beginning of your prompt: "still camera shot of..." or "locked viewpoint of..." If the phrase is buried in the middle of a long prompt, it may not be as effective. Try shortening your prompt and leading with the camera instruction.

• Why do some elements in my scene stay completely frozen?: You need to explicitly describe what should animate within your static frame. Simply saying "locked viewpoint of a birthday cake" might produce a completely frozen scene. Instead, add motion details: "locked viewpoint of a birthday cake with flickering candles, gentle smoke rising, and soft shadows dancing."

• My static shot works but the scene looks too still or lifeless...: Add more specific animation descriptors to your prompt. Include details like "flickering," "rustling," "flowing," "rising," "swaying," "dancing," "rippling," or "glowing" to tell Dream Machine which elements should have natural movement while the camera remains fixed.

• Which camera lock phrase works best—still, locked, or fixed?: All three phrases are effective and produce similar results. Most users find "locked viewpoint" and "fixed viewpoint" slightly more reliable for complex scenes, but "still camera shot" works excellently for simpler compositions. Experiment with all three to find which feels most natural for your workflow.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What's the difference between a static shot and just minimizing camera movement? A static shot using "still camera shot," "locked viewpoint," or "fixed viewpoint" explicitly instructs the AI to completely lock the camera in place with zero movement. Without these phrases, Ray2 and Ray3 naturally tend toward cinematic camera movement, even subtle motion. These phrases ensure absolute camera stability.

2. Can I have character movement within a static camera shot? Yes! Static camera shots are perfect for having characters move within the frame while the camera remains stationary. Use prompts like "fixed viewpoint of a person walking across the room" or "locked viewpoint of children playing in a yard." The camera stays still while the action unfolds.

3. Do these camera lock prompts work with both Ray2 and Ray3? Yes, all three phrases ("still camera shot," "locked viewpoint," "fixed viewpoint") work effectively with both Ray2 and Ray3. Ray3 generally follows these instructions more reliably due to its improved prompt adherence.

4. Should I use these phrases for architectural or product shots? Absolutely. Static shots are ideal for showcasing architecture, products, or any subject where you want viewers to focus on details or subtle animations (like lighting changes, reflections, or small movements) without camera distraction.

5. Can I combine static camera prompts with other camera direction phrases? Be cautious when combining. If you use "locked viewpoint" together with movement instructions like "dolly forward" or "pan right," you create conflicting directions. The static camera phrases should be used when you specifically want no camera movement—use them alone without other camera direction language.

Related Articles

• [Effective Prompting in RAY3]

Original Author: Chris Roebuck, Luma AI – Customer Support - Education
Original Creation Date: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Updated by: KB Conversion Team