Video Shooting Tips

March 30, 2007

VIDEO COMPOSITION 

1.    Use a wide shot as an establishing shot.

2.    Medium shots establish relationship between objects in the frame. (usually waist up shot)

3.    Close-up or tight shots are used to reveal subject’s details and reactions.  (Close shots are ideal if movie will be viewed on a small screen, i.e. a QuickTime movie viewed on a computer) 4.    Use the “Rule of Thirds” – Divide screen in imaginary thirdsa.    Don’t put the subject “dead-center” of the frame (unless the shot is a close-up or talking head)b.   On tighter shots, position subject’s eyes on upper-third linec.    For two-shots, position subjects so they’re about at the two vertical “rule of thirds” lines

5.    Watch for awkward backgrounds.  Shoot from another angle if necessary.

6.    Look for the best angle to shoot your subject.  Look for the best shooting position in terms of framing, lighting, and backgrounds.

7.    Vary your shots and angles.  Change camera positions.  Try to cover the same action from different shots and angles, so you’ll have more options when editing.

8.    Remember to shoot “cut-aways” when possible.  These are typically “reaction” shots, audience shots, etc.  “Cut-ins” are also helpful.  These are usually close-up shots, like seeing what’s in the pan during a cooking show.  Cut-ins and cut-aways provide good “B-roll” to give you flexibility and variety during editing.

9.    More elaborate shots include “dolly” shots or tracking shots.  This is where you move along with the action or follow the action.  Remember to use a steady hand.

10.                       Don’t forget the “180 Degree” rule.  That’s an invisible line that connects two people or objects being shot.  If you cross “the line,” it will confuse and disorient your viewer. 

Posted by Online Video Guy | Filed Under Online Video 101 

Comments

One Response to “Video Shooting Tips”

  1. Lorraine Grula on December 5th, 2007 6:30 pm

    Great list when helping my many students, especially these two special ones, has created my expertise in the field and moved it into the classroom. We have learned many new technologies and strategies very useful over our two years of working together.

    Teaching TV Production, building a small-town program into a nationally recognized one. My students won over forty-five awards, including the National Association for Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Student Award of Excellence, the equivalent to a high school Emmy.

    All of this has taught me one thing that video is the here to stay, and if you learn the correct steps of video production you to can look like a professional, in a very short time. I am a long-time video professional for over twenty-five years, I seen it all, and there are many new technologies that are in use today, but passion about creating the right look and feel are still the driving force behind great video production.

    Happy Videoing,

    Lorraine

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