Video Tricks

Following the methods below will help give your films that class that separates amateurs from the professionals. These movie making tips are fairly broad, there are so many kinds of camera’s that we can’t possibly cover them all. Read the manual that came with your camera, and follow these methods to get the most out of your movie camera.

Get a Tripod & Use It

The most significant movie making tip to improve your films is to steady them. Built-in image stabilization can only benefit so much. Unstable camera movements can make your audience feel sickish, and can quickly make your home videos unwatchable. One of the best ways to improve the appearance of your videos is to get a quality tripod. Amazon has several great video tripods for under $150.

Set Up Your Camera Moves

The most significant film blunder people make is constantly panning and zooming. Be careful when making modifications, don’t zoom or pan without a purpose. Take a good shot of your subject via a stand and leave it there for 10-20 seconds. The only time to zoom or pan is when making a cut to clip, NOT during the subject matter being recorded. If you are going to employ zoom, move the unit, you should not use the built in digital zoom. When you are panning and zooming, use easy and level moves. This will make your home footage considerably more watchable.

Structure Your Shot

The big difference between amateur and professional movie is the ability to Structure a Video. If actor A is speaking, actor A should be the center of your frame, when actor B begins speaking, the home movie should cut to actor B appearing in the center. Frame your Scene so the essential thing is what is being zeroed in on. Make sure the device does not stray from the subject matter.

Take Additional Batteries

Of all the movie making steps, this one has been on my list since the early 90s. At any time when you are ready to take the most critical shot, your battery will die. It’s Murphy’s law. At all times carry 2 to 3 extra batteries whenever you are going to film. If you can power on that is even better, but if you are in the field and are not able to, you will need those batteries.

Fix Your White Balance

Each time you go into a new filming condition, you really should set your white balance. Although this may seem like a annoyance, it will keep your movie from looking yellow. Understand how to set the white balance on your digital camera (should be in the guide book), and keep a white card with you when you shoot. Zoom in on the white card, so that it is the only thing in view. Press the white balance switch. You are all set.

I hope that these hints will enable you get the most out of your device, and give your video that polished look. To find more video camera tricks, visit VideoQuickTips.com where you’ll find this and much more, including short film making.