Last Updated on July 29, 2020
Anyone can shoot videos, but not everyone can shoot engaging ones. And while some believe that recording good footage is only achievable with quality equipment, the fact of the matter is: the tools only take up half of the equation.
Top tips for shooting film
You see, shooting great videos requires practice and even 5-star equipment won’t do you any good if you don’t hone your shooting skills or work on your video camera basics. With that in mind, here are some pointers on how you can shoot compelling vids:
Off-Center Filming
Although videography 101 tells us to fill the footage’s frame with the subject(s), you shouldn’t be too afraid of placing them a bit off-center. For instance, when shooting vids of children who are frolicking at the pool, filming the kids slightly to the right or left of center while they’re diving, laughing, or talking tends to be more interesting visually. Not to mention that framing off to one side allows you to record more of the atmosphere and environment in your shot.
Zoom Control
Overusing the zoom is a common problem among many budding videographers, as this can result in amateurish-looking footage. Worse, it can make viewers dizzy. Should there be a need to zoom in, do so slowly and steadily, and don’t suddenly zoom out. In addition, you may want to steer clear of digital zooms, as they’re good only for close-ups of dancing pixels. Optical zooms are better, since they offer better video quality, although they don’t get you as close to your subject as digital zooms.
Sweeping Shots
Wide, sweeping shots are often used to establish the location of the footage, but you should use them sparingly. After such a shot, get down to the specifics. Start focusing on the minute details; for example, those sun-bleached boats on your tropical beach shoot or those charming lanterns hanging around in Chinatown streets. Such details can convey more of your setting’s atmosphere compared to sweeping, general shots.
Back Lighting
Steer clear of backlighting. Although backlighting lets you get a better look at people’s faces, this doesn’t mean it has the same effect as with a camera or camcorder. In fact, filming a backlit subject often results in dark figures haloed by bright light, with features that are practically invisible. Backlit situations are sometimes unavoidable though, but you can reduce the impact of illumination by moving to the side of the light source. There are also some camcorders with features that lessen the effects of backlight.
Vantage Point
Use various vantage points. For instance, when recording a football game solely from the bleachers, the resulting footage might end up being a dull watch. But a vid captured at different spots heightens the drama of your footage because of the mix of shots. Moreover, don’t hesitate to use one of videography’s most effective angles: getting on the same level of your subject by kneeling down. Of course, you can always climb up the scene whenever appropriate.
Get the Right Camera
Of course probably the most important thing is the camera that you are going to use. Take a look at the best 4k camera to learn more.
Selective Moments
Shoot only important moments, unless you have plans to edit the footage. So you can go ahead and shoot an entire wedding if you can edit the recording afterwards; otherwise, stick to the highlights, lest you risk having a long and dull video. After all, even if a film includes waiters prepping the food, DJs testing their equipment, or any other scene with historical merit, they won’t be able to contribute much for viewing enjoyment.
If you are looking for the best available format to record in today ten we suggest looking at the 4K video camera.
For more tips please have a look at Filming tips from the menu.
