Tips for Shooting Video
Outlined below are some tips for shooting video like a pro.
Preparation
Familiarize yourself with your camera before shooting. Learn its controls, functions, abilities and weaknesses so that operating it becomes second nature. Practice at home; the time to make mistakes is before shooting an important event.
Plan Ahead
Have a game plan in mind before you start shooting video. Consider what you want your video to be about and how you want the finished product to look.
Stabilization
Use a good quality, sturdy tripod to steady your shots. Nothing ruins a video quicker than shaky, nausea-inducing footage.
Audio
Built-in microphones are usually mediocre at best; use an external mic instead. Camera-mounted shotgun mics work well, as do wireless lavaliere mics, but wireless mics are more expensive.
Monitoring
Monitor your audio with quality headphones. Be aware of and eliminate background noise as much as possible. Use the camera's viewfinder when possible to monitor your video recording instead of the LCD screen. External LCD screens are harder to see in daylight and can be affected by glare.
Lighting
Make sure the scene you're shooting has adequate lighting; many video cameras don't perform well in dim light. Turn on as many room lights as possible or consider using a camera-mounted light. Avoid situations where the background behind the subject is very bright, such as a window that lets bright sunshine into a room.
Common Mistakes
Avoid zooming the lens while recording. Don't use in-camera special effects like black and white; it's better to edit and add effects in post-production. In-camera effects can't be undone later. Also, resist the temptation to speak to your subjects while you're recording; let them do the talking.
Attention to Detail
Watch out for unsightly objects in your background, or objects that appear to be protruding from your subjects' heads, such as trees or poles. Reposition yourself if necessary. Also don't forget to get some close-up shots of small details for so-called "b-roll" footage that will make your video more interesting, such as a bride's bouquet of flowers or wedding ring.
Preparation
Familiarize yourself with your camera before shooting. Learn its controls, functions, abilities and weaknesses so that operating it becomes second nature. Practice at home; the time to make mistakes is before shooting an important event.
Plan Ahead
Have a game plan in mind before you start shooting video. Consider what you want your video to be about and how you want the finished product to look.
Stabilization
Use a good quality, sturdy tripod to steady your shots. Nothing ruins a video quicker than shaky, nausea-inducing footage.
Audio
Built-in microphones are usually mediocre at best; use an external mic instead. Camera-mounted shotgun mics work well, as do wireless lavaliere mics, but wireless mics are more expensive.
Monitoring
Monitor your audio with quality headphones. Be aware of and eliminate background noise as much as possible. Use the camera's viewfinder when possible to monitor your video recording instead of the LCD screen. External LCD screens are harder to see in daylight and can be affected by glare.
Lighting
Make sure the scene you're shooting has adequate lighting; many video cameras don't perform well in dim light. Turn on as many room lights as possible or consider using a camera-mounted light. Avoid situations where the background behind the subject is very bright, such as a window that lets bright sunshine into a room.
Common Mistakes
Avoid zooming the lens while recording. Don't use in-camera special effects like black and white; it's better to edit and add effects in post-production. In-camera effects can't be undone later. Also, resist the temptation to speak to your subjects while you're recording; let them do the talking.
Attention to Detail
Watch out for unsightly objects in your background, or objects that appear to be protruding from your subjects' heads, such as trees or poles. Reposition yourself if necessary. Also don't forget to get some close-up shots of small details for so-called "b-roll" footage that will make your video more interesting, such as a bride's bouquet of flowers or wedding ring.