Understanding and mastering the camera controls in VRChat is crucial for getting the perfect shot. Whether you're in VR, using a desktop, or playing with a controller, VRChat offers a variety of options to help you compose your photos just the way you want them. Here’s a breakdown of the essential camera controls for all modes:


In desktop mode, the camera controls are straightforward. Here's a quick guide to using the camera:

Movement Controls:
- W: Move the camera forward.
- S: Move the camera backward.
- A: Move the camera to the left.
- D: Move the camera to the right.
- Q: Move the camera down.
- E: Move the camera up.

Mouse Controls:
- Left Mouse Button (LMB): Hold to move the camera freely in the direction you're looking.
- Middle Mouse Button (MMB): Hold to rotate the camera for a better angle.
- Right Mouse Button (RMB): Hold to zoom in or out.

Camera Settings Controls:
- F: Toggle between camera modes (first-person view, third-person view).
- Ctrl + F: Open camera settings for fine-tuning options such as focus, aperture, and more.

Quick Picture Shortcut:
- Left Mouse Button (LMB) + Middle Mouse Button (MMB): Hold both buttons simultaneously to quickly take a picture.


In VR mode, the controls for positioning and adjusting the camera are intuitive and designed to be as immersive as possible.

Movement Controls:
- Thumbpad or Joystick (depending on VR setup): Move the camera in the direction you want by sliding the thumbpad (Oculus Quest/HTC Vive) or joystick (Valve Index).
- Button for Focus Adjustment (usually Trigger or Grip): Use the Trigger (Oculus Quest) or Grip (HTC Vive/Valve Index) to move the focus point closer or farther.

Camera Angle Adjustments:
- Press and Hold Thumbpad or Joystick (depending on VR setup): Rotate the camera or adjust angles to get the perfect shot. Hold the Thumbpad (Oculus Quest) or Joystick (Valve Index) to rotate.
- Clicking the Thumbpad/Joystick: Reset the camera's position back to default by clicking the Thumbpad (Oculus Quest) or pressing the Joystick (Valve Index).

Additional Camera Controls:
- Trigger (on controller): Zoom in or out, adjusting the field of view. Trigger on the Oculus Quest or Valve Index controllers for zoom.
- Grip Button (on controller): Adjust the height of the camera by holding and moving the Grip button (HTC Vive, Valve Index) up or down.
- Button for Recalibration (usually Menu or Oculus Button): Recalibrate the camera’s orientation. On Oculus Quest, press the Oculus button on the right controller; on Valve Index, press the System button on the left controller.
- D-Pad (if available): Rotate the camera left or right. Found on some VR controllers like the Oculus Quest's Thumbpad or HTC Vive's trackpad.
- Button for Resetting View (Oculus Button or System Button): Reset the camera to the default position. On Oculus Quest, press the Oculus button; on Valve Index, press the System button.

Virtual Environment Controls:
- Button to Switch Between First-Person and Third-Person View (usually System or Menu): Toggle between first-person and third-person views. On Oculus Quest, press the Oculus button, and on HTC Vive, use the Menu button.
- Camera Lock Button (if available): Lock the camera in a fixed position while still allowing movement of the player’s body. This could be a custom setting or a button like the Grip button on HTC Vive or Valve Index.
- Smooth Camera Button (if applicable, usually Menu): Enable or disable smooth camera movement to prevent motion sickness. On Oculus Quest, this could be toggled in the settings via the Menu button; on Valve Index, it may be an in-game setting.
- Quick Adjust for Depth Perception (Button or Joystick): Adjust the depth of the camera to make objects appear closer or farther. Often controlled by the Joystick (Valve Index) or Thumbpad (Oculus Quest).


In controller mode, the controls are streamlined for ease of use, and you can adjust your camera view on the fly:

Movement Controls:
- Left Joystick: Move the camera forward, backward, left, and right.
- Right Joystick: Adjust the camera's angle by looking around.

Focus & Zoom:
- Trigger or Button (depends on setup): Adjust focus and zoom to your liking.

Camera Controls:
- L1 (or equivalent button): Reset camera to default view.
- R1 (or equivalent button): Cycle between preset camera angles or views.
- Right Joystick (Click/Press): Toggle between first-person and third-person camera modes.
- L2 (or equivalent button): Adjust camera height (up/down).
- R2 (or equivalent button): Adjust camera speed (slower or faster movement).
- D-Pad Left/Right: Rotate camera left or right.
- D-Pad Up/Down: Adjust field of view or tilt.

- Experiment with the camera controls to find what works best for you. Everyone’s preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to try out various combinations.
- Take advantage of the camera’s focus and aperture settings to control depth of field, lighting, and background blur, creating professional-looking shots.
- Use the camera modes (first-person and third-person) to give your shots different perspectives, depending on the subject or environment you’re capturing.

Environments in VRChat are more than just backgrounds — they set the mood, create context, and breathe life into your photos. Mastering environmental photography means learning how to harness lighting, composition, and atmosphere to elevate your shots. Let’s dive into the details!

Define Your Theme: Decide what kind of story or emotion you want your photo to convey. Are you capturing a peaceful nature retreat, a futuristic cyberpunk city, or a cozy coffee shop?
Search Smart: Use VRChat’s world browser to filter by tags like "scenic," "photography," or "cinematic." Community-made photography worlds often include built-in lighting and posing tools.
Lighting Quality: Worlds with baked lighting provide natural-looking shadows and highlights, while dynamic lighting lets you manipulate light sources in real time for more creative control.
Test Performance: High-detail worlds may be beautiful but can impact performance. If your frame rate drops, consider lowering graphics settings or using a world with optimized assets.

Framing Techniques:
- Use doorways, windows, trees, or architectural elements to frame the subject, creating natural borders that draw attention.
- Experiment with over-the-shoulder shots by positioning the camera behind objects like pillars or foliage to create depth.

Foreground, Middle Ground, and Background:
- Place objects in the foreground, like plants, furniture, or props, to add layers to your composition.
- Keep your subject in the middle ground for balance, and let the background add context or atmosphere.

Rule of Thirds: Activate VRChat’s camera grid to apply the rule of thirds. Position key elements at the intersections of the grid lines to create visually balanced photos.
Leading Lines: Use paths, fences, beams of light, or architectural lines to guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject. These add flow and structure to your composition.

Natural Lighting:
- Worlds with changing time-of-day settings offer different moods at sunrise, sunset, and night. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) casts a warm, soft light that’s perfect for portraits.

Artificial Lighting:
- Use neon signs, streetlights, or decorative lamps to add color contrast. Position these light sources at different angles to highlight your subject's features.
- In darker environments, experiment with shadows. A single light source can create dramatic contrast, while multiple lights soften shadows and add depth.

Silhouettes: Place the subject in front of a bright light source, like a sunset or neon sign, to create striking silhouettes.

Weather Effects:
- Worlds with rain, snow, or fog can add emotional weight to your shots. Rain can create dramatic reflections, while fog adds mystery and depth.

Particle Effects: Look for worlds with floating particles like fireflies, falling leaves, or embers. These add movement and visual interest to still images.

Reflections and Mirrors:
- Water surfaces, glass panels, or polished floors offer creative opportunities for reflection shots. Capture the subject from different angles to emphasize symmetry.

Depth of Field (DoF): Use the camera's depth of field settings to blur the background slightly, making the subject stand out while preserving environmental detail.

Candid Moments: Capture avatars interacting naturally with the environment — sitting by a campfire, gazing at the skyline, or wandering through a forest.

Environmental Storytelling:
- Use props and surroundings to create context. A lone avatar in a dark alley tells a different story than a group dancing under neon lights.
- Add small details like scattered papers, drinks on a table, or glowing signs to enrich the scene and make the environment feel alive.

Experiment with Angles: Don’t just shoot from eye level — lower the camera for a towering effect or go high for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape. Tilt the camera slightly to create a sense of action or tension.

Test Multiple Shots: Take several shots with slight adjustments to lighting, angle, or subject placement.
Review and Adjust: After capturing the image, review it and see if any environmental details need adjusting. Sometimes repositioning a light or moving a prop can make a big difference.
Post-Processing: Consider using editing tools outside VRChat for color correction, contrast adjustments, or to add cinematic filters.

Mastering environments is about seeing the bigger picture while focusing on the smallest details. Treat each world as a canvas, and use lighting, props, and angles to turn a simple snapshot into a storytelling masterpiece.

Focus and aperture are essential tools in any photographer’s toolkit, and VRChat provides virtual versions of these elements to give your photos a more professional and cinematic look. Understanding how to use these camera settings can elevate your shots, providing a sharp subject, blurred backgrounds, and a beautiful sense of depth. Let’s break down how to use Focus and Aperture effectively in VRChat.


Focus Basics in VRChat:
- Focal Point: The point you set to be in sharp detail. Everything in front of or behind the focal point will become more blurred.
- Shallow Depth of Field (DoF): A shallow focus creates a dramatic, blurred background, emphasizing the subject. This is ideal for portraits or when you want the subject to stand out.
- Deep Depth of Field: The entire scene stays in focus from the foreground to the background, which works best for landscapes or when capturing a detailed scene.


Desktop Mode Focus Controls:
1. Enable Focus Mode:
- Open the camera interface and locate the "Focus" slider.
- You’ll find it under the camera’s settings in the menu.
2. Adjust the Focus:
- Near Focus: Move the focus point closer to the camera. This will keep objects nearer to the camera sharp, while those farther away become blurred.
- Far Focus: Move the focus point farther out, keeping distant objects sharp while the foreground blurs.

VR Mode Focus Controls:
1. Focus Adjustment:
- In VR, you can adjust focus using the thumbpad or joystick on your controller.
- Move the focus closer or further by sliding the joystick up/down or using the trigger buttons to modify the range of focus.
2. Preview Focus Range:
- VR gives you an interactive preview. As you move the focus closer or farther, the scene will blur accordingly, allowing you to see the effect in real-time.


Aperture refers to the size of the opening in the camera’s lens that allows light to hit the sensor. The size of this opening impacts the depth of field, which in turn affects how much of the image is in focus.

Aperture Basics in VRChat:
- Large Aperture (f/1.8 – f/2.8): Creates a shallow depth of field, where only the subject is in focus, and the background is blurred (bokeh effect). This is ideal for portraits or close-up shots.
- Small Aperture (f/8 – f/11): Creates a deep depth of field, meaning more of the scene (foreground and background) remains in focus. This is great for landscapes or shots where you want the entire scene to be sharp and detailed.


Desktop Mode Aperture Controls:
1. Adjust Aperture Size:
- Find the "Aperture" slider in the camera settings.
- Move the slider to control how wide or narrow the aperture is.
2. Aperture and Focus Relation:
- A large aperture (smaller f-stop number) works well with shallow focus, creating a blurrier background. If you want to blur the background and isolate your subject, adjust the aperture to a smaller f-stop number (like f/1.8 or f/2.8).
- A small aperture (larger f-stop number) allows for a larger range of focus, making the foreground and background both sharp. Use a higher f-stop (like f/8 or f/11) for detailed shots of a larger scene.

VR Mode Aperture Controls:
1. Aperture Size Adjustment:
- Similar to focus, aperture is adjustable via the thumbpad or joystick.
- Smaller apertures can be selected for wide-focus shots, while larger apertures are best for artistic, blurry background effects.
2. Live Preview:
- Just like with focus, you can see how aperture changes affect the scene in real-time in VR.
- This allows you to experiment with different settings instantly to create the desired effect.


The combination of focus and aperture allows for stunning creative control in your photography.

Shallow Focus and Large Aperture (f/1.8 – f/2.8):
- Ideal for portraits or close-up shots. The subject stays sharp, and the background becomes beautifully blurred (bokeh effect).
- Great for drawing attention to a single subject while keeping the environment visually interesting but out of focus.

Deep Focus and Small Aperture (f/8 – f/11):
- Best for landscapes, architectural photography, or large groups of avatars. Both the foreground and background are in focus, giving a clear and detailed shot of the entire scene.
- This setup creates a sharp, clear photograph that showcases a broad range of details.

Adjusting Focus to Aperture Settings for Creative Effects:
- Play with varying the aperture size to complement the focus range. A large aperture paired with shallow focus results in a cinematic look, while a small aperture with a deep focus ensures everything from the subject to the background is crisp.

- Use Focus to Isolate the Subject: Use shallow depth of field to blur out distracti

Zoom isn’t just about getting closer — it’s about shaping the mood of your shot, guiding the viewer’s attention, and adding depth to your compositions. When combined with focus and aperture adjustments, you can create photos that feel intentional and cinematic. Let’s dive into the details.


- Controller Mode:
- Use the [Trigger] or [D-Pad Up/Down] for smooth zoom control.
- For finer adjustments, try the [Right Joystick].
- VR Mode:
- Hold the [Trigger] and push the [Thumbpad/Joystick] forward to zoom in, or pull back to zoom out.
- Some setups offer dedicated zoom buttons for quicker control.

Tip: Zooming in compresses the background, making objects appear closer together — perfect for portraits or isolating subjects. Zooming out expands the view, making it ideal for landscapes or action shots where context matters.


Zoom changes your depth of field, so fine-tuning the focus afterward is key.
- Manual Focus:
- After zooming, use the [Focus Wheel] (if available) or the [Right Joystick] to sharpen your subject.
- In VR, gently tilt the [Thumbpad] or squeeze the [Trigger] to lock focus.
- Focus Peaking (if supported):
- Activate this feature to highlight the sharpest areas, making it easier to lock onto your subject when zoomed in.

Tip: For dramatic close-ups, zoom in tight and carefully adjust the focus to blur the background. This creates a shallow depth of field, making your subject pop.


Aperture settings work hand-in-hand with zoom, helping control light and depth.
- Adjust Aperture:
- Use the [Aperture Dial] or press [L1/R1] (or the VR equivalent) to open or close the aperture.
- Lower f-stops (e.g., f/1.8) blur the background, creating that soft, dreamy bokeh effect.
- Higher f-stops (e.g., f/11) keep more of the scene sharp, perfect for landscapes or architectural shots.
- Compensating for Zoom:
- Zooming in reduces the light entering the lens — widen the aperture to compensate.
- Conversely, zooming out lets in more light, so narrowing the aperture maintains sharpness across the frame.

Tip: For cinematic shots, zoom in with a wide aperture to softly blur the background, or zoom out with a narrow aperture to capture crisp detail across the scene.


Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with these techniques to elevate your shots:
- Focus Pulling: Slowly shift focus between subjects while zooming for a smooth “rack focus” effect, common in film.
- Zoom Blur: Use a slow shutter speed while zooming to create dynamic streaks of motion radiating from the center of the frame.
- Foreground Framing: Zoom past nearby objects, using them as soft, out-of-focus frames to add layers to your shot.


- Controller Mode: Click the [Right Joystick] or press the [Reset Button] to instantly return zoom, focus, and aperture to default settings.
- VR Mode: Tap the [Thumbpad/Joystick] or press the [System Button] for a full reset.


Mastering zoom isn’t just about getting closer — it’s about crafting the story you want each shot to tell. Experiment with these techniques and discover how small changes can transform your photos into immersive works of art.

Angles are one of the most powerful tools in photography. The angle from which you capture a scene can dramatically change the mood, the emphasis, and the overall composition of your shot. In VRChat, you have the freedom to experiment with different perspectives that can transform your photos. Below are some tips for choosing and utilizing angles to create visually striking images.


The eye-level angle is the most natural and neutral perspective. It is often used for portraits, group shots, or when you want to depict a scene as realistically as possible.

When to Use Eye-Level Angle:
- Perfect for capturing characters in their natural state.
- Ideal for group photos where you want all subjects to appear at the same level.
- When you want to create a balanced and familiar image without dramatic emphasis on the background or foreground.

Pro Tip: Make sure to align the camera with the height of the avatars for the most flattering and realistic portraits. If the camera is too high or low, it can distort proportions.


A high angle is when the camera is positioned above the subject, looking down. This perspective can make the subject appear smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable. It also offers a great opportunity to capture the environment around your subject.

When to Use High Angle:
- To give a sense of powerlessness or vulnerability to the subject.
- To capture a large area or environment in the background while keeping the subject in focus.
- When photographing objects or avatars that are on the ground or far below the camera.

Pro Tip: A high angle works particularly well with larger, expansive environments. It can also emphasize the scale of objects or avatars, giving a grand or monumental feel to your shots.


The low angle is the opposite of the high angle, where the camera is placed below the subject, looking up. This perspective makes the subject appear larger, more dominant, and more imposing. Low angles can also be used to create dramatic or heroic compositions.

When to Use Low Angle:
- To make your subject look taller, more powerful, or heroic.
- When you want to focus on the sky or the upper part of the environment (like tall buildings or trees).
- To add a dynamic, dramatic feel to the shot.

Pro Tip: Low angles are especially effective in action shots or portraits, making your character appear larger-than-life. Be cautious of unflattering distortion if you're photographing avatars with certain body types, as it can exaggerate features.


The Dutch angle, also known as a tilted or canted angle, is where the camera is rotated to one side, causing the horizon to slant. This angle is often used in dynamic or action shots, creating tension and unease in the viewer.

When to Use Dutch Angle:
- To create a sense of disorientation or unease.
- In action or intense scenes to give a feeling of instability or chaos.
- For abstract or artistic shots where you want to create tension or drama.

Pro Tip: A Dutch angle should be used sparingly to avoid making the entire scene feel unbalanced. The tilt can enhance dramatic moments or highlight confusion or distress within the story of your photo.


The over-the-shoulder angle is a commonly used perspective in storytelling, particularly when capturing conversations or interactions between avatars. This angle positions the camera behind one avatar’s shoulder, allowing the viewer to feel like they’re part of the scene.

When to Use Over-the-Shoulder Angle:
- To show the perspective of a character in conversation or in an interaction with another avatar.
- To give a sense of intimacy, as if the viewer is sharing the moment with the character.
- When you want to highlight both the subject and the environment around them.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to what the avatar in the foreground is looking at. The subject’s gaze adds context to the shot, making it more engaging and dynamic.


Using a close-up or macro angle allows you to capture fine details or focus on a single subject or feature. This type of shot emphasizes texture, expression, and the smallest elements of the scene.

When to Use Close-up or Macro Angle:
- For highlighting detailed features, such as facial expressions, accessories, or textures.
- When capturing emotions or subtle interactions between avatars.
- In still-life photography to focus on objects or props in your environment.

Pro Tip: Focus carefully on the details that matter. A shallow depth of field can help isolate small details and make the subject stand out.


A wide-angle shot incorporates a larger field of view, capturing more of the environment or multiple subjects. This is great for showing off landscapes, large group shots, or environmental storytelling.

When to Use Wide Angle:
- To show expansive or grand scenes, like large environments, landscapes, or crowded areas.
- To capture multiple subjects or avatars in the frame.
- When you want to emphasize depth and perspective in your scene.

Pro Tip: Wide-angle shots can distort the image by making objects closer to the camera appear much larger. Be mindful of this effect when framing your shot, and ensure the distortion adds to the composition rather than distracting from it.


Playing with reflections and shadows can add layers of interest to your photos. These elements can enhance the mood, add depth, and lead the viewer's eye to the focal point of the shot.

When to Use Reflections and Shadows:
- To add intrigue or create symmetry in your photos.
- When photographing avatars or objects near reflective surfaces (such as water, glass, or shiny floors).
- To emphasize lighting or create contrast.

Pro Tip: Experiment with the angle of light to cast interesting shadows or create reflections that complement the composition. Reflections in VRChat environments can give the photo a more realistic or surreal quality, depending on the setting.


The angle from which you capture your subject plays a huge role in shaping the story of your photo. By experimenting with different perspectives, you can convey mood, highlight specific details, and create dynamic compositions. Keep in mind that each angle has its own emotional impact, and by combining them thoughtfully, you can create powerful and memorable images.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to try unusual or unconventional angles! Sometimes the best shots come from stepping outside the box and experimenting with different viewpoints.

Photography in VRChat opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to capture immersive virtual environments, moments of interaction, and stunning avatar portraits. With the tools and techniques outlined in this guide—from understanding camera controls and using focus and aperture effectively, to experimenting with angles and environments—you’re now equipped to take your VRChat photography to the next level.

Key Takeaways:
- Mastering camera controls, including focus, aperture, and angles, is essential to creating striking and dynamic photographs.
- The environment you choose can significantly impact the mood and aesthetic of your shots, so don't be afraid to explore different locations and lighting conditions.
- Experimenting with different angles, from low and high perspectives to close-ups and wide shots, can help you tell a compelling visual story.
- Finally, remember that practice makes perfect! Don’t hesitate to explore, adjust settings, and experiment with different compositions to discover your unique photographic style.

Final Thought: VRChat provides a vast canvas for photographers, where the only limit is your creativity. By leveraging the knowledge from this guide and continually experimenting with new ideas, you’ll be able to create unforgettable images that capture the essence of virtual worlds and the interactions within them. Happy shooting, and may your virtual photography journey be as immersive and rewarding as the worlds you explore!

- I Feel if you can master taking a quick photo is nice but if you can master taking a awesome picture that can hold the viewer to look at it for a while, you have mastered being a photographer and if not even better and if you keep taking photos you will improve your skill.

- Thanks to : Ilonia and Valiant North for giving me information on how to take eye catching photos and tips and tricks on how to make your photos look awesome.

~ Note: if you see anything wrong with the guide let me know in the comments but be nice about it and don't hate for a guide having some info wrong

Thank You for reading~