I'm interested in finding out how other people compose their screenshots (from external views). The only method that works for me is to use the spot view. Then I can zoom using the bracket keys and rotate using the hat switch. However, I often see others' screenshots and wonder - how did he do that?

The player/target view seems promising but it always has one plane positioned directly behind the other and there's no way to rotate.

As far as I can tell the spot and chase views are identical. Is there any difference?

Do you use the J key for screenshots? I haven't tried it much but it seemed like I had to scroll through many objects to find the one that I wanted.

What is your technique?

That's all I do is use the Spot view and crop out the top words. ArisFuser is, IMHO, the guy to ask. He takes the most incredible lighting shots.

Using the j view command is awesome - but I just use the 'opening view' after hitting j - then can fly though the sky with full freedom of all axis and set up shots without cropping later ... as soon as you click out of first view though to work your way through the different planes and objects, they get 'locked ' to centre of view like spot and other typ views

I used to fly w twist stick and had much easier time navigating to viewpoint I liked - with rudder pedals the sensitivity is super fine and finicky ... I have to learn to dial that in!!

Thanks very much, manitouguy. Your method is exactly what I was looking for.

Now I need to develop my J key positioning skills. While testing your suggestions I did (finally) figure out how to more effectively use the 8 and 2 keys. If you want to move the viewpoint vertically it needs to be done first (from a relatively long distance) and then you move in close. If you close in first, the 8 or 2 key will just tilt the image.

is that the deal? always wondered how to get the view off the ground. THANK YOU!! love this forum

I took these from "J" view ..

look at the gravestones in the churchyard..great attention to detail OBD