Video Tips

Let the good times "roll" on video.

You will have the best results if you approach videography as "photography with motion and sound." Many of the tips that apply to shooting photographs also apply to video.

Tips

1. Ask your subjects' permission to shoot them and only shoot in areas where everyone has granted it. That way, you'll avoid the distraction of people trying to step out of the way.

2. Minimize the use of zooms. Visually, it is far more interesting to physically move the camera (smoothly) when trying to get closer or further away from a subject than to zoom.

3. Use wide shots to establish the setting. Follow with close-ups of your subjects.

4. Shoot small children from your waist level. Become part of their world as you tape their activities.

5. Pan very slowly to avoid the annoyance of "jumping" images. Remember, camera moves will seem exaggerated when viewed.

6. Tape people when they are not aware of you. Posing is painfully obvious to the viewer.

7. Add music and a "voice over," describing the action to transform amateur footage into an entertaining program—something you'll take pride in showing.

8. Encourage people to move closer together. The video is about them, not the spaces in between.