In the first of our three part series, we outlined a number of tips that help you get organized prior to shooting your video. In Part 2, we’ll review tips and ideas to streamline your shoot and make it a success.
Frame your shots
- As with photography, the subject always looks better if it’s not perfectly centered. Imagine a photo divided into nine equal blocks using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Position your subject on one third of the frame where the main point of interest (e.g. the subject’s face) is on the anchor points where two of the lines intersect. This is known as the rule of thirds and it makes it easier for the eye to view and is more visually pleasing overall.
- Shooting based on the rule of thirds also allows room for captions, graphics or text to clarify or highlight what’s happening on screen.
- Avoid using digital zoom. Unless you want a pixelated shot, don’t use your phone’s digital zoom. Want a closer shot, then move the phone closer until you’ve got the perfect framing.
Watch your background and lighting
- Food or wrappers on desks, distracting shadows, reflections in windows, plants or other things growing out of people’s heads – the list is endless. It’s easy to miss these little details while shooting which is why it’s always good to do a test run and review it to make sure nothing is amiss. Also, it’s a good idea to do multiple takes just in case there’s an unexpected sound problem or photobomb.
- Spotlights are okay at a concert, but you don’t want your subject in direct pools of bright light. This can affect your brightness and contrast and cast unflattering reflections on your subject. If using natural light, do not position your subject with their back to the light – all you’ll get is a dark outline on a bright background. Have them face the light to get their best angle.
- Invest in a lighting gel filter and LED mini box – both are affordable and can come in handy just in case the lighting isn’t perfect.
Use more than one angle
- If you can, use two phones to take the same shot from a different angle such as one camera face on, another from the side. This gives the video editor more options to choose from to make your video more interesting to watch.
- Make sure you use the same phone/camera as different makes and models can produce different quality of video.
Shoot plenty of B-Roll
- Don’t forget to get additional shots that help to tell the story, like a tour around the manufacturing facility, people interaction shots, or additional product footage. You can also use stock industry footage to emphasize a market. This will be invaluable when pulling together the final edit.
Taking a little extra time to prepare for each shot will help a lot in the long run and reduces the chances of having to do a re-shoot which costs from both a time and money standpoint. Tell us about your next video project and we’ll help you create great video that will engage your customers and prospects.
