How to Take Cinematic Screenshots in 'World of Warcraft'

Players of "World of Warcraft" can take screenshots instantly at any point in the game. Here are some of the lesser-known tips and tricks players can use to make their screenshots more cinematic to showcase their characters, create wallpapers and even create character story lines.

Alt+Z. By simply clicking this key combination, the interface is switched off so you don't have to deal with the large chat bar or the hot key area. This gives a wider scope to your shot and focuses on the scene at hand. Click Alt+Z again to bring back the interface when you're done.

Z button. Clicking this button causes your character to brandish his weapons. Taking a shot precisely as he grabs the weapon and raises it can create a cool effect of "unsheathing," or a raised weapon salute. Different effects can be captured depending on when you click. This can also be done while your character is running.

Camera angle positioning (left mouse button). When you are engaged in combat, stop limiting your shots from behind your character. While you are swinging or shooting nukes, use the left mouse button to pivot around your character 360 degrees. This does not affect your character's position, only the angle. There are limitless ways to enhance a boring scene by picking the perfect angle.

Flying mounts (Num Lock and left mouse button). Flying mounts are best showcased in motion, but it's difficult to fly and get better positions to take a shot of your mount. The best strategy for this is to get your mount flying in one direction, click Num Lock once (enables automated motion), and then use the left mouse button to pivot the "camera" around the mount in any angle. It is also useful when running on foot.

Wide-out pan shots and wallpapers. For taking very wide scope pan shots (without your character present), get on a flying mount, soar very high into the air, and zoom in the camera to first person mode. This technique effectively turns your monitor into a super-camera for "WoW" at your monitor's resolution, so feel free to capture entire cities from above, or whatever location you wish. Wallpapers can be easily made from these types of shots.

Getting the cinematic effect. One of the least-known techniques is drinking alcohol beverage items (in game) to enhance graphics. Two strong alcoholic drinks are best for optimum graphics. It creates a softening effect on edges, creates a cinematic effect, and can allow you to zoom out much more than you can do while sober. It also causes no strain on your computer frame rate. If you have a very special shot to take, drink alcohol and use the temporary enhanced graphics to get the best possible cinematic shot. Best used for wallpaper shots. This is the bread-and-butter technique for players who don't have high-end machines for graphics.