Yaw
What is yaw and how does it impact camera movement in motion graphics?
GLOSSARY
In motion graphics and 3D animation, yaw describes the rotation or turning movement of a camera or object around its vertical axis. This movement is akin to looking left or right from a fixed position. Yaw is one of the three primary axes of rotation, alongside pitch (up and down) and roll (tilt), and it plays an important role in creating dynamic and engaging camera movements that can change the viewer's perspective and focus within a scene.
In motion graphics, yaw controls rotation around a vertical axis, essential for animating objects like airplanes. It allows for the realistic depiction of a plane turning on a runway, enhancing the animation's dynamic feel and visual storytelling.
Technical definition
Yaw is controlled through animation keyframes or scripting in 3D software, allowing animators to specify the degree of rotation and create smooth transitions between orientations. Precise manipulation of yaw, along with pitch and roll, enables the creation of complex camera paths and orientations.