Simple Tips For Shooting Video
Now that camcorders and digital cameras with video capabilities are cheaper than ever, almost everyone has a way to take video of their family and friends.
Many of these are self explanatory, and some are not adjustable.
You get what you see when you look through the viewfinder.
However, there are some things you can do when shooting video to make sure you get the best clip you can.
These are memories that you want to save forever, and you want them to be the best that they can be.
Whether you are outside or inside, you have to think about lighting.
The light outside is the sun, of course, and inside you have to think about each light in the room.
You should find a way to work with the light or your subject will be shadows, especially in strong light.
Never go about shooting video with a light source right behind the subject.
Do it with your back to the light as long as you are not casting a shadow on your subject.
If that is a problem, try shooting video with your light source to the side.
Another problem some have when shooting video is that they do not frame correctly.
If the main thing you are taping is one person, don't be too far away.
The end result will be a huge frame with a lot of background with a tiny person in the middle.
That will not be enjoyable for viewing later on.
Zoom in so you are getting them from the waist up.
If they are participating in a sport, a full body shot is great, but remember to zoom in and out when needed.
Don't zoom too often, as it will make the video hard to watch, but move in and out when needed.
If your camera has a lot of manual settings, it may also have something called a white balance.
This is something that helps determine that color saturation and hue of your video.
If you are shooting under fluorescent light, your white balance is different than what you have for outdoors.
If you don't white balance, your video could come out green tinted.
Most cameras for shooting videos at home automatically do this, but you may want to check if you are using manual settings.
Use the auto white balance and the camera should adjust for you.
One last tip for shooting video worth saving is to be aware of the microphone on your camera.
Many people forget that the mic is right there.
If you talk too loudly, it can distort on the resulting video.
If you are holding the camera, you are going to be louder than anyone else.
If you do not have to talk, refrain from doing so.
Some of these microphones are so sensitive the sound will distort from someone talking five feet away.
Try shooting video as a trial run to get a feel for the quality and sensitivity of your microphone before you start recording important things you want to save.
Many of these are self explanatory, and some are not adjustable.
You get what you see when you look through the viewfinder.
However, there are some things you can do when shooting video to make sure you get the best clip you can.
These are memories that you want to save forever, and you want them to be the best that they can be.
Whether you are outside or inside, you have to think about lighting.
The light outside is the sun, of course, and inside you have to think about each light in the room.
You should find a way to work with the light or your subject will be shadows, especially in strong light.
Never go about shooting video with a light source right behind the subject.
Do it with your back to the light as long as you are not casting a shadow on your subject.
If that is a problem, try shooting video with your light source to the side.
Another problem some have when shooting video is that they do not frame correctly.
If the main thing you are taping is one person, don't be too far away.
The end result will be a huge frame with a lot of background with a tiny person in the middle.
That will not be enjoyable for viewing later on.
Zoom in so you are getting them from the waist up.
If they are participating in a sport, a full body shot is great, but remember to zoom in and out when needed.
Don't zoom too often, as it will make the video hard to watch, but move in and out when needed.
If your camera has a lot of manual settings, it may also have something called a white balance.
This is something that helps determine that color saturation and hue of your video.
If you are shooting under fluorescent light, your white balance is different than what you have for outdoors.
If you don't white balance, your video could come out green tinted.
Most cameras for shooting videos at home automatically do this, but you may want to check if you are using manual settings.
Use the auto white balance and the camera should adjust for you.
One last tip for shooting video worth saving is to be aware of the microphone on your camera.
Many people forget that the mic is right there.
If you talk too loudly, it can distort on the resulting video.
If you are holding the camera, you are going to be louder than anyone else.
If you do not have to talk, refrain from doing so.
Some of these microphones are so sensitive the sound will distort from someone talking five feet away.
Try shooting video as a trial run to get a feel for the quality and sensitivity of your microphone before you start recording important things you want to save.
