Handheld documentary video prompt
Make generated footage feel observed and real: handheld micro-shake, natural light, imperfect framing and unposed moments.
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1Fill and generate
Realism comes from imperfection. Ask for available light, slightly late reframing and an ordinary action. Glossy words ('stunning', 'epic') push the model back towards advert style.
Handheld documentary footage, observational style. The camera operator stands {{camera_distance}} from {{subject}}, who is {{action}}, unaware of the camera. Setting: {{setting}}. Camera: natural handheld micro-shake, occasional small reframing as the subject moves, focus breathing slightly, 35mm lens at eye level. Lighting: available light only, {{lighting}}. Style: realistic, unpolished, muted natural colour, slight grain, like a {{documentary_type}}. Duration {{duration}}, aspect ratio {{aspect_ratio}}. Avoid: text, captions, watermarks, logos, extra limbs or fingers, warped faces, flicker, sudden cuts, posed looks into camera, glossy advertising look, dramatic music-video lighting.
Example input
Market trader stacking apples in a covered street market at dawn, observed from two metres; 7s; 16:9.
Example output
Handheld documentary footage, observational style. The camera operator stands about two metres from a middle-aged market trader in a woollen hat, who is stacking crates of apples and chatting to someone off-screen, unaware of the camera. Setting: a busy covered street market, early morning. Camera: natural handheld micro-shake, occasional small reframing as the subject moves, focus breathing slightly, 35mm lens at eye level. Lighting: available light only, cool daylight through a canvas roof, bare bulbs over the stalls. Style: realistic, unpolished, muted natural colour, slight grain, like a slice-of-life TV documentary. Duration 7 seconds, aspect ratio 16:9. Avoid: text, captions, watermarks, logos, extra limbs or fingers, warped faces, flicker, sudden cuts, posed looks into camera, glossy advertising look, dramatic music-video lighting.
Troubleshooting
- Shake is too violent: say 'subtle' or 'gentle handheld' rather than just 'handheld'.
- It still looks staged: make the action more mundane and add an off-screen interaction.
Known limitations
- Never present generated 'documentary' footage as real events; label it as AI-generated or illustrative.
- Background crowds can contain distorted faces; keep them out of focus.